[3] World Cancer Day targets misinformation,[4] raises awareness, and reduces stigma.

The Charter of Paris against cancer,[7] which was created to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, also included an article establishing the anniversary of the document's official signing as World Cancer Day, was signed at the Summit by the then General Director of UNESCO, Kōichirō Matsuura, and then French President Jacques Chirac in Paris on 4 February 2000.

[8] The theme for the years 2025-2027 is 'United by Unique, which "places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.

The theme seeks to counter the negative attitude and fatalistic belief that nothing can be done about cancer, and instead promotes how our personal actions can be powerful and impactful.

[22] Each year, nearly 1,000 activities take place in over 100 countries, World Cancer Day generates over 25,000 press mentions in more than 150 countries, half a million social media mentions, and trends each year on social media on 4 February.