Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis; it is a deeply personal experience. Each person's journey with cancer is unique, shaped by their socioeconomic background, values, and preferences.  

This year and for the next three years, World Cancer Day on 4 February will focus on highlighting the connection between these unique experiences and life situations of individuals, and the health systems required to deliver tailored care to address them.  

Indeed, UICC’s new campaign theme for World Cancer Day, ‘United by Unique’ calls for a fundamental shift in the delivery of cancer services towards a people-centred approach, where health systems place individuals and communities at the heart of healthcare decisions.  

‘United by Unique’ recognises that every experience with cancer is unique, and everyone has unique needs, unique perspectives, and a unique 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.  

By understanding and integrating the needs and preferences of individuals and communities into healthcare delivery, health systems provide more equitable access to care, in low- as well as high-income settings, and become more effective. People living with cancer feel seen, heard, and empowered. 

The ‘United by Unique’ campaign aims to highlight barriers and gaps in health systems as well as existing best practices in delivering people-centred care. Witness accounts can be found on the World Cancer Day website, such as the story of Kristin from Norway, who felt overwhelmed and vulnerable after being diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma, encountering different doctors at each visit. Or that of Sukanti from India, who noticed a lack of structured support systems for caregivers when his wife Soma was diagnosed with cancer at age 41 and was given six months to live. 

People-centred care includes initiatives such as community health programmes tailored to local health issues, cultural competence training for healthcare providers, health literacy initiatives, telemedicine services, patient navigation programmes, and the engagement of people who have experienced cancer to shape policies. This approach leads to improved patient well-being, 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. 

I encourage everyone to join the movement and take action. You can share your story on the World Cancer Day website, participate in the Upside-Down Challenge by posting a picture or video upside down and saying how cancer has turned your world upside down, or create an event to educate others about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options.  

People are also encouraged to use the branded materials available on the World Cancer Day website to raise awareness on social media. 

Let us unite in our shared ambition to see governments implement policies to improve cancer prevention, and deliver health systems that provide more compassionate and effective cancer care, resulting in more people surviving their cancer and leading longer and healthier lives.