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World Cancer Day ‘United by Unique’ – Every Experience Matters
World Cancer Day is marked every year on 4 February and highlighted by CANSA.
Theme for 2026
Led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the new global World Cancer Day campaign theme, 2025-2027 is ‘United by Unique’ calling for a fundamental shift in cancer care and health systems worldwide towards a people-centred approach.
The campaign recognises that every experience with cancer is unique, and everyone has unique needs, perspectives, and a story to tell; yet, people touched by cancer are united in a shared ambition to see governments implement policies to improve cancer prevention, deliver health systems which treat patients with cancer effectively and successfully, resulting in more people surviving their cancer and leading long and healthier lives.
This year marks the second chapter of the United by Unique campaign.
Together with the UICC, we’ll highlight what it means to see the person before the patient, enable people living with cancer to actively participate in their care, and involve communities to drive change.
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What You Can Do:
Participate in WCD CANSA Screening and Community Events
Click here for a list of events taking place during February and on World Cancer Day (4 February).
Take Part in CANSA Colour Walk
CANSA Active invites everyone to join a 5 km walk at Ratanga Junction, Century City on 1 February 2026 in solidarity with cancer patients, caregivers and loved ones as we celebrate the World Cancer Day theme “United by Unique”.
Online Discussion 4 February 2026
Download the October Health app and join a cancer Survivor and wellness coach on World Cancer Day (4 February 2026) for a stirring discussion on the ‘science of hope’…
Stories have Power – Share Your Story
On World Cancer Day, everyone has the potential to make a positive impact. CANSA joins the call by UICC and invites individuals from all walks of life to share their personal cancer stories and experiences in writing, artwork or a video.
Much like people-centred care aims to see the individual behind the disease, the campaign intends to showcase real stories with unique perspectives.
Join the Upside Down Challenge
For World Cancer Day 2026, we are challenging people across the world to share videos or photos of themselves upside down, along with their unique story about how cancer has affected them… because cancer turns your world upside down… – take the challenge…
Make a Donation to CANSA to Fight Cancer
We also encourage you to donate R50 (or any amount) towards CANSA’s health education initiatives and care and support programmes.
Lower Your Cancer Risk
Read more about how you can look after yourself to lower your personal cancer risk and share this important information with all you know…
Not sure what your risk is? Take our Lifestyle Risk Assessment quiz with helpful tips to guide you into healthier living…
About World Cancer Day
Created in 2000, World Cancer Day, every 4 February, is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
CANSA joins the UICC and like-minded organisations across the globe and locally in raising awareness of cancer and related key issues with stakeholders from government to grassroots community level, improving personal education around cancer and activating personal, collective and government action.
Cancer is a major and growing public health problem globally. In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases, and 9.7 million lives lost to cancer. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, and for each person whom it affects, the experience will be different.
Elize Joubert, CANSA CEO says, “In South Africa, with our approximately 60 million people, the cancer incidence is set to double by 2030. It’s projected that there will be an incidence of 220 000 new cases by then. This is a result of increases in the age-specific incidence rate of cancer, as well as the growth and ageing of the South African population.” *
Not only does cancer encompass over 200 disease types requiring specific treatments, but also each person’s life situation differs in terms of socioeconomic background, values, and preferences.
To better address these differences, people-centred care is oriented around individuals and communities instead of just the disease. It engages and empowers people to have a more active role in their own health.
People touched by cancer are united in a shared ambition to lower the cancer burden, to see cancer treated successfully, and to lead better lives with cancer.
Joubert adds, “To improve cancer care in South Africa, health care providers can be sensitive to patients’ perceptions and educate people about cancer and treatment. A people-centre approach leads to improved patient well-being, and higher quality care and increased trust in healthcare providers.
It boosts satisfaction among patients and families, while improving health equity and the overall effectiveness of healthcare systems.
In some cultures, cancer is still a taboo subject and universally, for many of us, it’s tough and uncomfortable. Yet, talking about cancer openly raises awareness, improves outcomes, and can ultimately save lives.”
“By understanding and integrating the needs and preferences of individuals and communities into healthcare delivery, health systems will provide more equitable access to care, in low- as well as high-income settings. It is important that people living with cancer feel seen, heard, and empowered.” – Dr Cary Adams, CEO of UICC
**https://cansa.org.za/cancer-alliance-webinar-the-cost-of-cancer-where-to-from-here/
Did You Know?
Your donations enable free services, for example, CANSA Tele and Virtual counselling in most SA languages by trained counsellors, support groups (face-to-face; WhatsApp and FBK); guidance from our Clinical Nurses regarding coping with the side effects of
cancer, cancer treatment, dietary tips, stoma care and pain management – enquire at info@cansa.org.za; our Advocacy department assists patients experiencing stock shortages, delays in screening and cancer treatment, and lack of access to appropriate pain management medications; transport to and from cancer treatment centres is provided to our cancer patients staying at CANSA Care Homes, who would otherwise live too far away to receive treatment. Children and teens with cancer and their parents / guardians stay at our CANSA TLC Lodges for free during treatment. Our two TLC wig banks for children / teens provide free wigs to those in need.
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