World Cancer Day 2026

Blog - 4 February 2026

4 February 2026 marks the annual World Cancer Day, led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Read our article for more.
Two hands holding a purple ribbon to represent pancreatic cancer

The World Cancer Day theme for 2025 to 2027 is 'United by Unique'. This theme is designed to place people at the centre of care and for their stories to be at the heart of conversations to help spread awareness.

This year's focus

Building on the foundation laid in 2025, the campaign in 2026 will focus on transforming these personal stories shared from the public, into powerful advocacy tools. Now that we’ve seen a wide range of unique perspectives on people-centred care, this year's goals are to influence policymakers, healthcare providers, and the broader public about the necessity of integrating people-centred care into national health plans and cancer care strategies.

By highlighting real-life experiences and outcomes, the campaign will strive to shift perspectives and encourage systemic changes that prioritise the holistic needs of people living with cancer. This phase is dedicated to turning individual voices into a collective call for better, more compassionate, and inclusive cancer care.

Local and global campaigns

There are various campaigns that are promoting this crucial day, reaching out to members of the public to gain greater awareness, such as Macmillan cancer support. 

See more for resources on World Cancer Day materials.
 

Cancer

Cancer is a condition where cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way. Speak to a GP if you notice any symptoms that are not normal for you.
 

Possible symptoms of cancer

Different types of cancer all have their own symptoms.

General symptoms which could be a sign of cancer can include:

  • a new lump or swelling anywhere on your body
  • sweating a lot (particularly at night) or a high temperature that lasts a long time or keeps coming back
  • feeling more tired than usual
  • unusual bruising or bleeding (such as bleeding from your bottom, blood in your pee or vomiting blood)
  • pain anywhere in your body that's not usual for you
  • losing weight without trying or feeling less hungry than usual

  • needing to pee more often or more urgently, or pain when you pee

    Other symptoms of cancer may affect specific parts of the body
     

    See a GP if you have:

  • symptoms of cancer
  • any symptoms or changes that are not normal for you and you're worried could be cancer

If a GP thinks your symptoms could be a sign of cancer, you may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital.
 

Read NHS website for more useful information.

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