February 4 is World Cancer Day! Cancer is still a leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. World Cancer Day is an opportunity to educate, reduce stigma, and remind people that taking action saves lives.
In Queens and across NYC, World Cancer Day is more than a global observance—it’s a local call to action. It highlights the importance of community-based support and accessible care. It shines a light on organizations like ours that work year-round to ensure no one faces cancer alone. In this post, we’ll explain what World Cancer Day is, why it takes place on February 4, and more about this year’s theme. Plus, find out ways you can join us in action this World Cancer Day!
What Is World Cancer Day?
World Cancer Day is an international awareness day observed every year on February 4. It’s led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The mission of World Cancer Day is to reduce the global impact of cancer, by encouraging prevention, early detection, accessible care, and public education.
Each year, hundreds of World Cancer Day events take place in more than 100 countries. There are community workshops, screenings, and global digital campaigns. Landmarks around the world, including in New York City, are often lit in orange and blue. These official colors of World Cancer Day symbolize the global fight against cancer.
Why World Cancer Day Is Celebrated on February 4
We hold World Cancer Day on February 4 to commemorate the signing of the Charter of Paris Against Cancer, which took place on February 4, 2000. This agreement emerged from the World Cancer Summit in Paris. It marked a unified international commitment to advocating for cancer patients. Since then, February 4 serves as a reminder that progress against cancer takes action.
2025-2027 World Cancer Day Theme
Each World Cancer Day campaign centers around a theme to focus global efforts. The 2025–2027 theme is “United by Unique.” The theme emphasizes that every cancer experience is different, but all people affected by cancer have a shared goal of reducing its impact.
“United by Unique” places people, not just diagnoses, at the center of cancer care. It highlights the importance of personalized, people-centered support (as showcased in our Celebration Corner). It recognizes that culture, background, and lived experience shape how individuals navigate cancer, something we have seen in our work offering our cancer support services to the many ethnicities that call New York City home.
How World Cancer Day Supports Patients and Survivors
World Cancer Day sends a message of solidarity to patients and survivors: you are not alone. Public awareness campaigns, survivor stories, and global participation help reduce stigma and isolation.
World Cancer Day highlights cancer survivorship and what it means to be a cancer survivor. Organizations like ours offer educational lunch and learns, support group meetings, and free or low-cost treatment opportunities. This reinforces the importance of access and ongoing care.
How You Can Take Action on World Cancer Day
Put Your Health First
Schedule cancer screenings or set a cancer screening reminders to schedule a screening. And don’t forget self-exams like testicular self-exams, or breast self-exams. We even offer a free downloadable breast self-exam guide.
Wear Orange and Blue
Orange and blue have long represented World Cancer Day. Sport these colors in and around World Cancer Day and spark conversations about awareness and prevention.
Spread Awareness of World Cancer Day
Use social media to share cancer facts, World Cancer Day social media infographics, messages of support, or survivor stories using the #WorldCancerDay hashtag.
Support Local Cancer Services
On February 4, 2026, we will host our first-ever SHAREing & CAREing Giving Day, raising funds to support free cancer programs in Queens and NYC. Donations sustain services like patient navigation, individual support, recovery & survivorship programs, transportation assistance, low-cost wigs & prostheses, and access to low-cost or free cancer treatment resources.
Get Involved
Volunteer, attend events, or check in on someone affected by cancer. Start your own cancer fundraiser, or give to our SHAREing & CAREing Giving Day fundraiser, which takes place on World Cancer Day.
You Don’t Have to Face Cancer Alone—Support Is Available
This World Cancer Day, join SHAREing & CAREing in turning awareness into action. Whether you donate on Giving Day, seek support, or share this message, you are helping build a stronger, more compassionate cancer support network in Queens and NYC. Together, we are united by our differences, our stories, and our hope.
Sources
- World Cancer Day 2026, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), 2025
- World Cancer Day 2026: United by Unique, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), 2025
- Cancer, World Health Organization (WHO), 2025
- Key Statistics for Cancer, American Cancer Society, 2024