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.
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…
