World Cancer Day 2024

Raising Rays of Hope for #CancerCare4All

Led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), 2024 marks the final year of the World Cancer Day campaign ‘Close the Care Gap’. Echoing the objectives of the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, this annual global call to action unites millions of people around the world to prioritize life-saving treatment and to eliminate health inequities.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 19 million new cases and close to 10 million cancer-related deaths every year (Globocan 2020). More than 60% of the world’s total new annual cases occur in low and middle income countries, which account for about 70% of the world’s cancer deaths. As a consequence, the rising incidence of cancer is further straining the already scarce resources in many countries.

Rays of Hope is the IAEA’s answer to this unequal distribution of cancer care resources. Launched on World Cancer Day in February 2022, Rays of Hope contributes to the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Indicator 3.4 to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (including cancer) by one third.

Through Rays of Hope, the IAEA is channelling resources that support increased access to radiotherapy for all patients living with cancer worldwide. In order to ensure the sustainability and maximize the impact of Rays of Hope, the IAEA is increasing efforts in resource mobilization, advocacy and partnerships.

We know radiotherapy helps in about half of all cancer cases. But we also know that this form of treatment requires substantial initial funding, large scale and sustainable financing streams, a body of highly trained medical professionals, and a robust safety, security and quality assurance framework. We cannot do it alone. The global scale of the challenge requires a dedicated and concerted response.

This is why we need your support. 

At this high-profile event, recipients and donors will learn how they can work together to deliver impactful solutions for cancer patients worldwide through Rays of Hope. It will be opened by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, and attended by distinguished guests and speakers and from around the world.

Join our mission to provide #CancerCare4All.