World Cancer Day: a leading international awareness day

World Cancer Day is an international day observed every 4 February to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, and mobilise action to address the global cancer epidemic.

The day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and was established in the year 2000.   

By catalysing personal, collective and government action, we are all working together to reimagine a world where millions of cancer deaths are prevented and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all no matter who you are and where you live.    

Each year, hundreds of activities and events take place around the world, gathering communities, organisations and individuals in schools, businesses, hospitals, marketplaces, parks, community halls, places of worship - in the streets and online - acting as a powerful reminder  that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer. 

UICC runs World Cancer Day campaigns in three-year cycles to allow for a deeper exploration of a particular theme and achieve greater impact.   

The World Cancer Day theme 2025-2027, “United by Unique” places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference.   

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.  

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. A world where the needs of people and communities are at the centre of health systems.

Join us on 4 February and help us make a difference.

Explore more

Find out more about the origins, identity and who is behind World Cancer Day.

 Cancer is a major health concern worldwide, being the second-leading cause of death globally.

Find out more about different types of cancers, risk factors and symptoms.

Learn more about risk reduction and prevention.

World Cancer Day is sparking conversations and provoking deeper dialogue on the most critical issues in cancer all around the world.

Frenquently asked questions about World Cancer Day
#UnitedbyUnique
United in our goals, unique in our needs.