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World Cancer Day – 4 Feb

World Cancer Day is marked every year on 4 February and highlighted by CANSA.

Theme

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, 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.

Media Release: United by Unique – Every Experience Matters

Posters: click here

Videos: United by Unique

Infographic: How Cancer Affects our World

Infographic: Coping with Cancer

Infographic: Signs Cancer

What You Can Do:

Participate in WCD CANSA Screening and Community Events

Click here or see category posts below (scroll down)…

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.

View stories here….

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…

Video: Example of the Upside Down 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/

Interview with CANSA CEO on Goeiemôre, Goodmorning to Mark World Cancer Day

Interview with CANSA CEO, Elize Joubert, on Goeiemôre, Goodmorning to mark World Cancer Day (4 Feb 2026)…

Published: 4 February 2026
Updated: 24 March 2026
Categories: CANSA - Who We Are, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

SA FM Interview with CANSA: World Cancer Day – South Africa’s Cancer Burden is Growing Fast

Today marks World Cancer Day, which is observed globally on the 4th of February. CANSA says the country’s cancer burden is growing fast with new cases projected to double by 2030, reaching around 220,000 annually. CANSA says people‑centred care can save lives, restore dignity and give hope. Elvis Presslin of First Take SA (SA FM) spoke to CANSA Clinical Health Specialist and Patient Advocate, Professor Michael Herbst…

Published: 4 February 2026
Updated: 24 March 2026
Categories: CANSA - Who We Are, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day – Sponsored Free Clinical Breast Examinations: Westgate Mall, Roodepoort (4 February 2026)

World Cancer Day – Sponsored Free Clinical Breast Examinations: Westgate Mall, Roodepoort (4 February 2026) – from 09 30 to 14 30 – walk-ins welcome…

Published: 30 January 2026
Categories: CANSA Roodepoort Satellite Care Centre, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day – Sponsored Free Clinical Breast Examination: Cleary Park Mall Gqeberha (4 February 2026)

World Cancer Day – Sponsored free Clinical Breast Examination: Cleary Park Mall Gqeberha (4 February 2026) from 09 00 to 14 00 – walk-ins welcome…

Published: 30 January 2026
Categories: CANSA Gqeberha Care Centre, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day – CANSA Relay For Life Event: Sarepta Sports Field Kuilsriver (31 January to 1 February 2026)

World Cancer Day – CANSA Relay For Life Event: Sarepta Sports Field Kuilsriver (31 January to 1 February 2026) – from 18 00 on 31st to 06 00 on 1st – day visitors welcome…

Published: 30 January 2026
Categories: CANSA Cape Metro Care Centre, CANSA Paarl Care Centre, Fundraising Events & Projects, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day – CANSA Relay For Life Event: Torpedo Equestrian Centre (31 January to 1 February 2026)

World Cancer Day – CANSA Relay For Life Event: Torpedo Equestrian Centre (31 January to 1 February 2026) from 18 00 on 31st to 06 00 on 1st… – day visitors welcome…

Published: 30 January 2026
Updated: 30 January 2026
Categories: CANSA Cape Metro Care Centre, CANSA Paarl Care Centre, Fundraising Events & Projects, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day 2026: United by Unique – Every Cancer Experience Matters

This World Cancer Day, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is calling on South Africans to stand ‘United by Unique’, recognising that every cancer experience is deeply personal – and that people-centred care can save lives, restore dignity and give hope. Now in its second year, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC),’s global United by Unique campaign highlights the importance of seeing the person behind the diagnosis and responding to their individual needs, circumstances and lived experiences….

Published: 28 January 2026
Updated: 9 April 2026
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA Bedfordview Care Centre, CANSA Bloemfontein Care Centre, CANSA Cape Metro Care Centre, CANSA Durban Care Centre, CANSA East London Care Centre, CANSA George Care Centre, CANSA Gqeberha Care Centre, CANSA Kimberley Virtual Care Centre, CANSA Lowveld Care Centre, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, CANSA Paarl Care Centre, CANSA Pretoria Care Centre, CANSA Roodepoort Satellite Care Centre, CANSA Rustenburg Care Centre, CANSA Springbok Virtual Care Centre, CANSA Upington Virtual Care Centre, CANSA Waterberg Virtual Care Centre, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Men's Health, Women's Health, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day – Sponsored Free Clinical Breast Examination: Cavendish Square Mall (4 February 2026)

World Cancer Day – sponsored free clinical breast examination: Cavendish Square Mall (4 February 2026)…

Published: 28 January 2026
Categories: CANSA Cape Metro Care Centre, CANSA Paarl Care Centre, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day – Sponsored Free Breast and Skin Screening: Pick n Pay Family Eersterust (21 February 2026)

World Cancer Day – sponsored free breast and skin screening: Pick n Pay Family Eersterust (21 February 2026)

Published: 28 January 2026
Categories: CANSA Pretoria Care Centre, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day 2026 – CANSA Sponsored Free Screening and Community Events

CANSA a proud supporter of Word Cancer Day will be hosting the following free sponsored screening, community events and discussions to mark this important day…

Published: 28 January 2026
Updated: 23 February 2026
Categories: World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day – Sponsored Free Clinical Breast Examination: Tuiniqua Retirement (3 February 2026)

World Cancer Day – sponsored free clinical breast examination: Tuiniqua Retirement (3 February 2026)…

Published: 28 January 2026
Categories: CANSA George Care Centre, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day – Sponsored Free Breast Screening: Denlyn Shopping Centre (4 February 2026)

World Cancer Day – sponsored free breast screening: Denlyn Shopping Centre (4 February 2026)

Published: 28 January 2026
Categories: CANSA Pretoria Care Centre, Uncategorized, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

World Cancer Day – Cancer Screening Clinic – Sponsored Free Lifestyle Risk Assessment, Breast and Skin Screening: Preller Square Mall (6 February 2026)

World Cancer Day – Cancer Screening Clinic – sponsored free Lifestyle Risk Assessment, breast and skin screening: Preller Square Mall (6 February 2026)….

Published: 28 January 2026
Categories: CANSA Bloemfontein Care Centre, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb

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World Cancer Day – 4 Feb

Theme

What You Can Do: