Closing The Care Gap

Every year, on February 4, the global cancer community commemorates World Cancer Day (WCD) to inspire greater awareness of cancer and action to better prevent, detect and treat the disease.

World Cancer Day 2023 marks the second year of the three-year ‘Close the care gap’ campaign centred on the issue of equity. This second year is about uniting individuals and organisations, advocates and policymakers in calling for change and taking action. It is also about celebrating realworld progress, not just in innovation and medical advances but even the humblest of actions that can have a significant impact: motivating neighbours to provide transport to cancer treatment for a fellow resident or ensuring that healthy and affordable food options are offered at the local school.

World Cancer Day has become one of the most celebrated health awareness days around the world. Last year’s campaign saw over 900 activities and events in 105 countries, and 319 iconic landmarks were illuminated in 213 cities to mark the day, including Westminster Palace in London, Petra in Jordan and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The hashtag #WorldCancerDay trended on Twitter globally throughout the day, and over 375,000 social media posts were shared, including from U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, the British Royal Family and First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari.