February 4 - World Cancer Day: history and traditions of the commemorative date

Every year on February 4, Russia and other countries celebrate World Cancer Day, one of the most serious diseases of our time. Its purpose is to draw society's attention to the problem of cancer, to remind about the importance of prevention, regular check-ups and early treatment. In 2025, the date falls on Tuesday. What is important to know about cancer, read in the material "Izvestia".

History of the establishment of the World Cancer Day on February 4

The holiday was established in 2005 by the International Union Against Cancer (International Union Against Cancer, UICC) with the support of the World Health Organization. Its goal was to inform the public about methods of prevention and treatment, early detection of cancer, fighting myths and misconceptions, as well as the consequences of the disease.

Since 2008, a tradition has developed to dedicate World Cancer Day to a specific theme related to the disease. At that time, the theme was "Creating a smoke-free environment for children and young people".

In different years, the themes of the international day were proper nutrition, vaccination, ultraviolet irradiation, fighting myths about oncology and so on.

The name of the theme of World Cancer Day 2025-2027 is "Uniting for the Unique". It aims to provide medical care taking into account not only physiological, but also psychological characteristics of patients.

World Cancer Day 2025: how the disease arises and develops

Cancer is more than a hundred oncological diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells that can affect any part of the body, penetrate into neighboring tissues and spread throughout the body.

Normally, cells grow and renew themselves through biological mechanisms. However, in cancer, there is a breakdown in this process. The development of the disease involves several stages. Everything begins with mutations in the DNA of the cell, the accumulation of genetic changes, leading to uncontrolled growth. Then there is the formation of a tumor, its invasion into neighboring tissues and further possible metastasis.

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Tumors can be of two types - benign and malignant. The former (e.g., fibromas, lipomas) do not penetrate into neighboring tissues and do not give metastases, while the latter can quickly spread and affect other organs and systems of the body.

Depending on the type of cells from which the developing tumor originated, cancer is divided into several types. These include carcinoma (cancer of epithelial tissues, such as lung, breast, and skin cancer), sarcoma (neoplasms of connective tissues: bone, muscle, and cartilage), leukemia (diseases of the hematopoietic system), lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), and glioma (tumors of the brain and spinal cord).

Medics believe that as risk factors for cancer can be genetic predisposition, improper lifestyle (smoking, alcohol abuse, poor nutrition), viral infections (HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C). Long-term interaction with carcinogens (chemicals, radiation, polluted environment) can also lead to cancer.

Diagnosis of this dangerous disease includes biopsy, blood tests, CT, MRI, PET-CT and other methods. For treatment, surgical intervention, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and others are used.

How the World Cancer Day is celebrated in Russia and other countries

In Russia on February 4, events are held to raise public awareness of cancer, organized by the Ministry of Health of Russia, FGBU "NMI Center of Oncology named after N.N. Blokhin". N.N. Blokhin Oncology Center, as well as charitable foundations.

On this day oncodispensaries hold open days, within the framework of which anyone can undergo screening and preventive examination, get free medical advice.

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Also on February 4, lectures, information campaigns, mass events to promote healthy lifestyles, as well as thematic conferences with the distribution of leaflets, booklets, leaflets with important information about cancer prevention and treatment are organized.

Public organizations organize charity concerts and sports competitions aimed at raising funds to help cancer patients.

Earlier "Izvestia" told how Mental Health Day is celebrated in Russia.