World Cancer Day 2026

Cancer is medically recognised and defined as a disease in which abnormal cells begin to multiply and spread throughout the body uncontrollably, and generally arises from alterations (or mutations specifically) in cell DNA. There are over 200 different kinds of cancer – all of which can sometimes present corresponding signs and symptoms, and other times have symptoms which differ completely. Cancer is also known to have two stages: the primary stage, when it starts to emerge, and the secondary stage, when it then begins to spread throughout the body. This is also recognised as metastatic cancer. A cancer diagnosis can very often be very emotionally challenging and devastating for individuals who receive one and can cause a range of emotions such as shock, anxiety, anger, and sadness – both for the person diagnosed and their loved ones.  

Objectives of World Cancer Day… 

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) established World Cancer Day as a global initiative at the beginning of the 21st century, and it has since been observed annually on the 4th of February. It emerged primarily with intentions of promoting awareness of cancer, early detection and screening, quick and effective treatment, and ultimately, better access to healthcare for patients diagnosed with cancer. 

In alignment with these objectives, it also aims to encourage individuals, communities, healthcare institutions, public services, private companies and government bodies worldwide to collaborate and contribute toward the fight against cancer. It also honours the resilience and bravery of individuals diagnosed globally every year. With more and more individuals each year experiencing the devastating effects and impact that cancer can have, and well over 420,000 people being diagnosed annually with cancer, this emphasises the significance of continually and collectively working to improve access to healthcare globally as well as actively promoting and raising awareness of cancer and accessible, effective and suitable treatment options.  

Every Story Matters… 

People’s experiences of being diagnosed with cancer often differ greatly – there is so much more that can come with being diagnosed with cancer than the diagnosis, biological factors and physical symptoms alone. It can affect several parts of an individual’s life: their employment, financial circumstances and stability, relationships, quality of life and ultimately their mental health and emotional being as well as their physical health. Often, the effects and impact overall can be life-changing. In some cases, for example, it can affect a person’s employment and potentially the feasibility of them continuing with their current job role. This can then impact their financial situation and coincide with a decline in their emotional well-being and mental health if they experience great financial trouble and turmoil.

Significant healthcare costs can also hurt financial circumstances and stability, or access to the appropriate and effective treatments and care needed, which in turn can make the physical and mental health of the diagnosed individual worse. The psychological and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis from feelings such as stress, uncertainty, fear, sadness and grief can also severely impact individuals as well as their loved ones and families.

These effects, overall, which are separate from the biological and physical ones, can often influence the level and type of support that a patient needs when facing a cancer diagnosis or dealing with disease progression. This makes actively listening to the patient extremely significant when assessing, considering and fulfilling their needs to the greatest extent possible in the healthcare industry.  

How you can participate and contribute… 

• You can show solidarity by wearing a unity band, which can come in the form of pins, ribbons or bracelets. These are sold by various companies, and the money you pay will often go toward cancer research and relevant charitable organisations.  

• Advocacy and information-sharing online and through various communication channels,s such as social media, is another way you can get involved and contribute. Sharing information, tips regarding preventative measures and actions, stories of individuals diagnosed with cancer and signs and symptoms to look out for are great ways to raise awareness and dispel any misconceptions or inaccurate beliefs about cancer.  

• Making a monthly or one-off donation to organisations and hospitals specialised in oncology, cancer treatment and care for diagnosed individuals. This can lead to enhanced treatments and procedures being discovered, as well as better outcomes for patients with cancer in the long term. Participation in fundraising events such as runs, community gatherings, coffee mornings and workshops can also be a great way to raise and contribute money toward cancer research and relevant charitable organisations.  

Recommendations… 

Here are some recommendations from the Edinburgh Napier University library team which may be useful to our students studying nursing, biological sciences and in other relevant fields. All of these recommendations can be found and requested via LibrarySearch. 

• Cancer biology and treatment, Divan, Aysha, author.; Royds, Janice, author.; Royal Society of Biology, publisher. 2020. Available at Sighthill Campus Library. 

• Experiencing Cancer: quality of life in treatment, Schou, Kirsten Costain.; Hewison, Jenny, 1950-1999. Available at Sighthill Campus Library. 

• An introduction to cancer care: Tracey McCready, Julie M. MacDonald. McCready, Tracey.; MacDonald, Julie. 2006. Available at Sighthill Campus Library.