World Cancer Day 2026 is an international day observed on 4 February to raise awareness about cancer. The day encourages individuals to raise awareness of signs, modes of prevention and create action to address the global cancer epidemic.

World Cancer Day was established in 2000 and is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Its purpose is to unite people across the globe in raising awareness of the disease.

World Cancer Day encourages individuals and communities to educate themselves, advocate for healthier choices, and support efforts aimed at prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care.

Cancer is not a single disease but rather a group of distinct diseases that share common characteristics. Cancer involves abnormal cell growth that can lead to the formation of tumours. These tumours can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Malignant tumours have the ability to spread or metastasise around the body. The disease does this by invading surrounding tissues.

Cancer is one of the largest health challenges worldwide; as of 2021 around 15% of all deaths were cancer led, making it one of the most common causes of death globally. As the population and life expectancy reach a global high, the number of recorded cases of cancer has also increased. However, lifestyle changes such as the reduction in smoking and other cancer-causing pathogens has seen a correlation in the death rate from cancer.

United by Unique – see the person before the patient:

The World Cancer Day them between 2025 and 2027 is ‘United by Unique’. This theme recognises that each experience with cancer is unique and that behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story and an individual who requires tailored support. It is raising awareness of the fact that a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates the needs of each individual leads to the best health outcomes and striving for action to bring this about.

In 2025, the campaign began its journey by inviting individuals to share their personal cancer stories and building upon this, the campaign in 2026 will focus on transforming these personal stories into powerful advocacy tools, influencing policymakers, healthcare providers and the broader public about the importance of a people-centred approach.

Call to Action:

The global reach of World Cancer Day’s United by Unique campaign so far has been nothing short of spectacular, with over 900 events and activities across more than 102 countries and territories in 2025. There were six billion impressions, nine million

engagements , 530,000 website visitors and over 300,000 campaign video views on Youtube in 2025.

There however is still a long way to go with this global movement for change and ensuring that the progress made is sustainable and lasting. We encourage you to share the important message of World Cancer Day on 4 February, as well as throughout the rest of the year, by participating in an event supporting World Cancer Day and making sure that people are placed at the centre of care and that their stories are at the heart of the conversation.