World Cancer Day is a campaign run by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). It is observed annually on February 4th, and unites the world in the fight against cancer. The theme for 2025–27, “United by Unique”, highlights the individual nature of each cancer experience while emphasizing the power of collective action. This initiative calls on people from all walks of life – patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, policymakers and advocates – to come together, celebrate differences and create a world where equitable cancer care is a reality for all. A people-centered approach to care recognizes the diverse needs of patients and their families. By fostering empathy, understanding and collaboration, World Cancer Day aims to create a future where equitable, compassionate cancer care is available to all.
Below, meet some of the experts at the forefront of patient care and pioneering cancer research, witnessing cancer changing individual and family lives each and every day around the world.
“Every cancer journey is as unique as the person facing it. True care goes beyond treatment – it sees the individual, their hopes, and their resilience. By embracing each story with empathy, we turn awareness into action and statistics into human strength”
Prof Axel Merseburger (Editor-in-Chief, touchONCOLOGY; University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, Lübeck, Germany)
“On World Cancer Day, we need to put all our efforts in bringing together science and compassionate care. The journey through cancer is never easy, is unique and shaped by individual experiences, challenges and resilience. We need to create a more supportive environment for cancer patients, one where patients feel safe to share their concerns and experiences and ultimately leading to improved patient satisfaction, quality of life and oncological outcomes. Every step forward achieved will bring progress and hope”
Dr Isabel T. Rubio (President-elect, European Cancer Organization [ECO]; Past President, European Society of Surgical Oncology [ESSO])
“Just as we are now working to personalize oncology treatments based on tumor genes or biomarkers, so too have I been encouraged by our field’s move to personalize oncology care delivery based on patient-specific factors. Across the field of oncology, there has also been an increasing emphasis on strategies to lower the ‘time toxicity’ inherent to so many of our treatments as outcomes continue to improve. In multiple myeloma, the field where I specialize, we have led work around reducing the number of days that patients must spend in clinic per month (while maintaining the same outcomes) and de-emphasizing low-yield but burdensome tests, such as 24-hour urine collection. More is yet to come in 2025!”
Dr Rahul Banerjee (University of Washington, WA, USA)
“Only if we work together, patients, clinicians, governments can ameliorate the treatment of gynecological cancer patients and live longer”
Dr Domenica Lorusso (Humanitas Hospital San Pio X, Milan, Italy)
“Physicians must provide not just medical strength, but also psychological and social support… True care cannot be established if the patient’s own wishes and values are ignored”
Dr Yuri Yoshinami (National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan)
“Oncology is as much about understanding lives as it is about science. Every patient’s journey is unique, shaped by their goals and circumstances. The personal connections I form with patients and their families are deeply rewarding – that’s what drew me to medicine”
Dr Eric Lander (Minnesota Oncology – Minneapolis, MN, USA)
“Watching how cancer affects individuals and families made me want to contribute in a meaningful way, to prevent others from experiencing similar pain… Despite the challenges, with innovation, persistent effort and collaboration, I remain hopeful”
Dr Michael K Gibson (Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA)
“Patients often remember the kindness and humanity of their oncologist more than the medicine they receive”
Dr Rodrigo Munhoz (Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil)
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