This glossary offers definitions of terms as they are used in the context of World Cancer Day.
A group of diseases created by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body, and one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Working together with people from different backgrounds to understand challenges and create solutions that matter to everyone. This means planning, acting, and checking progress as a team.
A determinant of people’s health related to activities by the private sector.
A group of people that may share common characteristics, interests, or geographical location. In a healthcare context, these individuals may have similar health-related needs, resources, or goals.
The process with which people navigating health systems, alongside their families, social circles, and wider communities, are given agency and control over decisions related to their health and care.
The fair and just opportunity for everyone, regardless of background, income, or other socioeconomic and demographic factors, to reach their full health potential.
The result, as measured through a change in health status, of medical intervention.
A complex, organised network of institutions, providers, and resources delivering medical care and services aimed at maintaining and improving health.
People with knowledge, expertise, and insights stemming from direct, firsthand experience with a situation or condition.
Making sure that everyone, especially those who are poor, excluded, or discriminated against, has equal access to care and support. It’s about fairness, dignity, and reaching those who are often forgotten.
The unique knowledge someone has because they have gone through something themselves, like living with cancer. This kind of experience gives important insights that others may not fully understand.
An income classification assigned to countries based on Gross National Income, used to illustrate that country’s needs and available resources.
Ensure respectful and fair inclusion of individuals with lived experience in various activities, creating an environment that empowers them. Recognise their experience as valuable expertise and use it to enhance health outcomes.
When we combine all stories together, they form a collective voice—one that is powerful enough to bring about systemic change. They can form a body of evidence to convince governments, shape policies and inform healthcare systems on the need to embrace people-centred care. This is about building awareness and overcoming stigma. But it is also more than that. It’s about sending a message to those with the power to change things for the better.
Diseases that are not transmitted between people, including medical conditions that range from cancer and cardiovascular disease to diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Involving people directly in decisions that affect them. Communities are not just consulted — they share power, help shape the work, and decide how results are used.
Focuses on the individual patient’s medical needs. Care is respectful and responsive to your preferences, needs, and values.
For example: a doctor explains treatment options and checks what matters most to you before deciding together.
Focuses on the wider community. Health services are organised so that groups of people and communities can get fair and accessible care.
For example: Offering telehealth so people in rural areas can still see cancer specialists.
Looks at the whole person, not just the illness. Care takes account of your physical health, emotions, family, work, culture, and social circumstances.
For example: Alongside treatment, you are offered emotional support and help with returning to daily life.
A trained professional who provides healthcare services to individuals with a focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness or maintaining overall health. ‘Provider’ can be used synonymously with ‘practitioner’ or can be used to describe organisations and institutions that deliver healthcare services.
The external factors, like socioeconomic status, education, environment, and access to resources, that influence health outcomes.
A series of goals adopted by United Nation Member States intended to stimulate action and meet a wide range of targets by 2030. For World Cancer Day, relevant SDGs include SDG 3, Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, which includes targets for reducing deaths from NCDs and achieving universal health coverage.
The organisation behind World Cancer Day. It is the oldest and largest global membership organisation dedicated to taking action on cancer. Founded in 1933 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, UICC has more than 1100 member organisations in over 170 countries and territories.
A positive state of physical, mental, and social health, influenced by environmental, social, and economic factors.