February 4 is World Cancer Day, and 2025 marks the first year of the new “United by Unique” campaign, which focuses on a people-centered approach to cancer care.
Organized by UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) since 2000, this global initiative has become one of the most significant health awareness days worldwide to raise awareness and improve knowledge about cancer risks, prevention, detection, and treatment.
Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis—it’s a deeply personal matter. Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story – stories of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more. That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes.
This “United by Unique” approach represents a fundamental shift in how health and cancer services are designed and delivered, placing individuals, families, and communities at the heart of health systems. It means not focusing just on treating the disease, but adopting the perspectives and experiences of individuals, carers, families and communities as participants in, and beneficiaries of, trusted health systems that respond to their needs and preferences in holistic ways.
Cary Adams, CEO of UICC says, “On 4 February, we will come together once again to mark World Cancer Day – a day of unity, action, and hope. The World Cancer Day theme ‘United by Unique’ places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation. Every individual facing cancer has a unique story, a unique experience – and yet, we’re all united by our shared commitment to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient.”
Last year, World Cancer Day saw 900 activities and events in more than 127 countries, with 138 iconic landmarks illuminated across the globe. The hashtag #WorldCancerDay trended globally on X, with over 27,000 press mentions in 159 countries and more than 500,000 social media posts shared.
Every experience with cancer is unique and it will take all of us, united, to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. This World Cancer Day, let’s come together to rewrite the future of cancer care – one where the needs of people and communities come first.
Get involved in any way you can. Because together, we can create change. Together, we are #UnitedByUnique.
—
Photo Credit: Ka Iki / Shutterstock.com