World Cancer Day is being observed this Wednesday to raise public awareness about cancer and to encourage support for those affected by the disease.

The day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), a non-governmental organization formerly known as the International Union Against Cancer.

The primary objectives of the observance are to increase cancer awareness, mobilize collective action for prevention, and provide support to patients and survivors.

Regional and Global Impact
According to the Global Cancer Observatory, Bangladesh recorded 116,598 deaths from cancer in 2022, with 167,256 new cases diagnosed that same year. On a global scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cancer is responsible for approximately 8.2 million deaths annually.

Prevention and Key Statistics

• Breast Cancer: Remains one of the most prevalent forms of the disease, affecting approximately 105 million women worldwide.
• Preventability: Experts suggest that 30 to 50 percent of cancer deaths could be prevented by avoiding tobacco use.
• Tobacco Link: A 2025 study by Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) revealed that tobacco use was linked to nearly half—approximately 46 percent—of all cancer cases in Bangladesh.