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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India records an estimated 1.17 million new cancer cases every year. Statistics reveal that one in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, while one in 15 will die due to the disease. In India, one woman dies of cervical cancer every eight minutes, and tobacco-related mortality claims over 3,500 lives daily.
The situation at the global level is even more alarming. To curb this growing burden, awareness among the general public is crucial. The WHO and its specialized agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), observe World Cancer Day every year on 4 February. In this article, we discuss the World Cancer Day 2025 theme, key facts, cancer statistics in India, and inspiring quotes.
World Cancer Day Theme 2026
The official World Cancer Day 2026 theme, “United by Unique,” focuses on a people-centred approach to cancer care, recognizing that every patient’s journey is different. The theme emphasizes personalized, compassionate, and equitable cancer treatment while encouraging global unity to reduce cancer inequalities and improve outcomes worldwide.
Previous World Cancer Day Themes
- World Cancer Day 2025: United by Unique
- World Cancer Day 2024: Together, we challenge those in power
- World Cancer Day 2023: Close the care gap
- World Cancer Day 2022: Close the care gap
- World Cancer Day 2021: #IAmAndIWill
What is Cancer?
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
Cells are the basic units of the human body. Normally, cells grow, divide, and replace old or damaged cells to maintain healthy body functions.
Cancer begins when genetic changes disrupt this regulated process, causing cells to grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells may form a mass known as a tumour.
- A malignant tumour can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
- A benign tumour may grow but does not spread.
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Start Learning!World Cancer Day 2026 Facts
Based on WHO reports, one in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 15 will die from cancer-related causes. Globally, cancer rates are projected to rise by 60% over the next 20 years, especially if cancer care is not strengthened in low- and middle-income countries.
The World Health Organization, along with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), releases annual World Cancer Day reports to highlight cancer trends, challenges, and the socio-economic impact of the disease.
The observance of World Cancer Day began in 2000, following an initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to bring global attention to cancer prevention and control.
World Cancer Day was officially established on 4 February 2000 during the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium, held in Paris.
Cancer in India
In India, the six most common cancer types are:
- Breast cancer: 162,500 cases
- Oral cancer: 120,000 cases
- Cervical cancer: 97,000 cases
- Lung cancer: 68,000 cases
- Stomach cancer: 57,000 cases
- Colorectal cancer: 57,000 cases
Together, these account for 49% of all new cancer cases.
Among men, out of 570,000 new cancer cases:
- Oral cancer (92,000)
- Lung cancer (49,000)
- Stomach cancer (39,000)
- Colorectal cancer (37,000)
- Oesophageal cancer (34,000)
These represent 45% of male cancer cases.
Among women, out of 587,000 new cancer cases:
- Breast cancer (162,500)
- Cervical cancer (97,000)
- Ovarian cancer (36,000)
- Oral cancer (28,000)
- Colorectal cancer (20,000)
These account for 60% of female cancer cases.
Aizawl and Papumpare districts recorded the highest age-adjusted incidence rates among males and females, respectively. The projected number of cancer patients in India for 2020 was 1,392,179, with leading sites being breast, lung, mouth, cervix uteri, and tongue.
India contributes nearly one-fifth of the global cervical cancer burden, making its elimination crucial for reducing global cancer incidence.
World Cancer Day 2026 Quotes
- “Never let cancer take over you. You are one in a billion and make the best use of your life with your willpower.”
- “Having cancer doesn’t mean it’s the end. Fight your way out with a bright smile and a warrior’s heart.”
- “Cancer can never have you because you are much more than that.”
- “Cancer affects all of us—daughter, mother, sister, friend, coworker, doctor, or patient.”
- “On this World Cancer Day, let us unite and stand against cancer.”
- “You can be a victim of cancer or a survivor of cancer. It’s a mindset.” – Dave Pelzer
- “Working out is my way of saying to cancer, ‘I’m stronger than you.’” – Stuart Scott
- “Time is shortening, but every day I survive is a victory.” – Ingrid Bergman
- “The first step to fight cancer is to be happy.” – Anurag Basu
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Start Learning!World Cancer Day Quiz 2026
1. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), how many new cancer cases are estimated in India annually?
2. What is the theme for World Cancer Day 2026?
3. When was World Cancer Day first observed?
4. Which organization leads the World Cancer Day initiative?
5. What percentage of new cancer cases in India are accounted for by the six most common cancer types?
6. Which type of cancer has the highest number of cases among women in India?
7. How often does a woman die of cervical cancer in India?
8. What is the estimated daily mortality due to tobacco use in India?
9. Which districts in India had the highest age-adjusted incidence rates of cancer?
10. Where was World Cancer Day established?
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Start Learning!Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Name the WHO agency which is specialised in Cancer?
Ans: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Q2. What is the screening test for the breast cancer diagnosis is called?
Ans: Mammography
Q3. Which organization started the World Cancer Day celebration?
Ans: Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
Q4. Which year did the UICC start the World cancer day?
Ans: 2000
