World Cancer Day: Cancer Claims 1 Million Lives Annually

Kathmandu — Today is World Cancer Day. Observed every year on February 4 to raise awareness about the disease and emphasize its prevention, early detection and treatment, World Cancer Day is marked around the globe with a range of educational and awareness-raising activities.

The observance began after the “Charter of Paris Against Cancer” was adopted at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris in 2000, establishing February 4 as a day to focus international attention on the fight against cancer.

According to the World Health Organization, about one million people die from cancer each year, with tobacco use, smoking, and unhealthy lifestyles among the leading risk factors for the disease.