World Cancer Day was established on February 4, 2000, by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). From that day onwards every year, this day is celebrated as World Cancer Awareness Day.
This year 2026, the World Cancer Day is being celebrated under the theme “United by Unique.”
According to a new global analysis from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), up to four in ten cancer cases worldwide could be prevented,
The study examines 30 preventable causes, including tobacco, alcohol, high body mass index, physical inactivity, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation – and for the first time – nine cancer-causing infections.
The analysis estimates that 37% of all new cancer cases in 2022, around 7.1 million cases, were linked to preventable causes. The findings highlight the enormous potential of prevention in reducing the global cancer burden.
Drawing on data from 185 countries and 36 cancer types, the study identifies tobacco as the leading preventable cause of cancer, globally responsible for 15% of all new cancer cases, followed by infections (10%) and alcohol consumption (3%).
Three cancer types – lung, stomach and cervical cancer – accounted for nearly half of all preventable cancer cases in both men and women, globally, WHO says in a press note.
Lung cancer was primarily linked to smoking and air pollution, stomach cancer was largely attributable to Helicobacter pylori infection, and cervical cancer was overwhelmingly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
“This is the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent,” said Dr André Ilbawi, WHO Team Lead for Cancer Control, and author of the study. “By examining patterns across countries and population groups, we can provide governments and individuals with more specific information to help prevent many cancer cases before they start.”
The burden of preventable cancer was substantially higher in men than in women, with 45% of new cancer cases in men compared with 30% in women. In men, smoking accounted for an estimated 23% of all new cancer cases, followed by infections at 9% and alcohol at 4%. Among women globally, infections accounted for 11% of all new cancer cases, followed by smoking at 6% and high body mass index at 3%.
Preventable cancer varied widely between regions. Among women, preventable cancers ranged from 24% in North Africa and West Asia to 38% in sub-Saharan Africa. Among men, the highest burden was observed in East Asia at 57%, and the lowest in Latin America and the Caribbean at 28%, WHO added.
These differences reflect varying exposure to behavioural, environmental, occupational and infectious risk factors, as well as differences in socioeconomic development, national prevention policies, and health system capacity.
The findings underscore the need for context-specific prevention strategies that include strong tobacco control measures, alcohol regulation, vaccination against cancer-causing infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, improved air quality, safer workplaces, and healthier food and physical activity environments.
Coordinated action across sectors, from health and education to energy, transport and labour, can prevent millions of families from experiencing the burden of a cancer diagnosis. Addressing preventable risk factors not only reduces cancer incidence but also lowers long-term health-care costs and improves population health and well-being.
WHO and its specialized cancer research agency IARC together work to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care worldwide. They provide technical guidance, define global and regional standards, and support governments to improve access and reduce inequalities. Their efforts also include driving research, policy, and global initiatives on cervical, breast, and childhood cancers.Four in ten cancer cases could be prevented globally
Meanwhile, Brandi Jones writes in MDMSN-ED RN-BC and medically reviewed by Doru Paul reports that, Cancer Symptoms that Women Need to Know are:
If you lose 10 pounds or more without trying, Changes in your breasts, like lumps or swelling, can be signs of breast cancer.
If fatigue keeps you from normal daily activities, talk to your healthcare provider.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cancer is important because early diagnosis and intervention can be lifesaving. It’s also essential to stay current with cancer screening such as mammograms, Pap smears, and colon cancer screening.
This article reviews symptoms of cancer in women, including pelvic pain, bloating, low-back pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge, fever, night sweats, changes in bathroom habits, fatigue, and weight, vulva, and breast changes.
According to data from the National Cancer Institute, the top four cancers in women include breast, lung, colorectal, and skin.
Many cancers including breast, ovarian, and colorectal, can be asymptomatic (without symptoms), especially in early stages. Because there are varying signs and symptoms of breast cancer, it’s important to know.
