World Cancer Day – February 4th

Together for Prevention

Every year on February 4th, World Cancer Day is marked—a day dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting the millions of people who are directly or indirectly affected by cancer.

It is estimated that more than 63,000 new cancer diagnoses were recorded in Greece in 2022, according to the European Cancer Inequalities Registry. Based on estimates for the same year, cancer accounted for 34,729 deaths in Greece (approximately 95 deaths per day). (5),(6)

These figures highlight that cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the country, after cardiovascular diseases.

The Global Impact of Cancer

Despite significant progress in treatment options and scientific research, cancer continues to be one of the greatest public health challenges worldwide:

20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths were recorded globally in 2022, making cancer one of the leading causes of death worldwide. (4)

Cancer is estimated to account for approximately 1 in 6 deaths globally. (1)

According to expert projections, the annual number of new cases could reach around 30 million by 2040–2050, driven by population growth and ageing. (3)

It is estimated that more than 40% of cancer deaths are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity. (2)

Nearly one third of cancer deaths could be prevented through screening and early diagnosis. (2)

Approximately 70% of cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to prevention and treatment is limited. (2)

These data demonstrate that cancer is not merely a medical challenge, but also a social, economic, and humanitarian issue that requires collective action.

Major Cancer Types and Preventive Factors (1),(4)

The most common types of cancer worldwide include:

Breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer.

Risk factors such as smoking, air pollution, obesity, and infections (e.g. HPV) are associated with a large proportion of cases.

However, many of these risk factors can be addressed or reduced through education, lifestyle changes, regular screening, and public health policies.

The Importance of Collective Action

This year’s World Cancer Day reminds us that the fight against cancer requires unity and collaboration—from governments and healthcare professionals to businesses, organizations, and individuals. Awareness and prevention can save lives, reducing both the human and economic burden associated with this disease.