World Cancer Day 2026: Unite for People-Centred Care

CancerAware
8 hours ago
3 min read

Today, February 4 is World Cancer Day, CancerAware joins millions around the globe in recognizing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Cancer is one of the world's leading causes of death and its impact touches nearly every family and community. In 2022 alone, 20 million people were diagnosed with cancer worldwide. The reality is stark: 1 in 5 people will develop cancer during their lives.

Here in Nigeria, we understand this burden all too well. Nearly everyone knows someone who was, is or will be directly impacted by cancer. Yet despite advances in medical science, the cancer burden continues to grow. By 2040, experts predict that new cancer cases will top 30 million globally if we don't take action now.

The Growing Challenge

More and more people are being affected by cancer each year. For many of them, cancer becomes a long-term condition that overlaps with other physical and mental health issues as well as socioeconomic factors, requiring complex and ongoing care that extends far beyond initial treatment.

Cancer can disrupt many areas of life including job prospects, financial or family responsibilities, relationships and physical, sexual and emotional well-being. Its impact often extends beyond the individual, affecting caregivers, families and entire communities.

In Nigeria, where healthcare resources are often limited and access to quality cancer care remains uneven, these challenges are even more pronounced.

As the number of people affected by cancer continues to rise, so does the need to ensure that cancer care services are accessible, appropriate and adapted to the individuals and populations that use them. This is where the concept of people-centred care becomes crucial.

What Is People-Centred Cancer Care?

People-centred cancer care means putting patients and their families at the heart of all decisions. It means recognizing that each person's cancer journey is unique and that effective care must address not just the disease, but the whole person; their fears, hopes, cultural context, economic realities and support systems.

In the Nigerian context, this approach is particularly vital. It means ensuring that cancer services are culturally sensitive, financially accessible and geographically available. It means providing care that respects our diverse communities while meeting international standards of quality and safety.

What Can You Do?

Everyone starts somewhere. No matter who you are, there's something you can do to help make people-centred cancer care a reality.

1. Start with Awareness

Knowledge is power. The more you know about cancer prevention, early detection and treatment options, the better equipped you'll be to protect yourself and your loved ones. Take time to learn about cancer and the benefits of people-centred care. Understand the warning signs, risk factors and screening guidelines. Share this knowledge with your family, friends and community members.

Spread the word about the need for a different model of cancer care, one that truly puts patients first. In Nigeria, where misconceptions about cancer still persist, your voice in promoting accurate information can save lives.

2. Share Your Story

Your story has power. No one understands cancer care better than the people who are affected by it. Whether you're a person living with cancer, a caregiver, a family member, a friend or an advocate, your story matters.

You've seen what works, what doesn't and what truly makes a difference in the cancer care journey. Your experiences; both the triumphs and the challenges can inform policy, energize advocacy efforts and inspire others who are walking a similar path.

By sharing your story, you help break the silence and stigma that still surrounds cancer. You give hope to those newly diagnosed and strength to those in treatment. You remind healthcare providers and policymakers why their work matters.

CancerAware's Commitment

As a charity at the forefront of the cancer fight, CancerAware is committed to advancing cancer awareness, prevention and people-centred care across our nation and beyond. We believe that improved awareness, better prevention strategies and more effective treatment and care can save countless lives.

This World Cancer Day, we reaffirm our dedication to ensuring that every woman affected by cancer in Nigeria has access to dignified, compassionate and effective care. We will continue working to bridge the gaps in cancer services, advocate for better policies and support patients and families throughout their cancer journey.

Join Us

The fight against cancer requires all of us. Whether you choose to educate yourself and others, share your story, volunteer your time, or support cancer organizations, your contribution matters.

Together, we can build a future where cancer care is truly people-centred; accessible, equitable and compassionate. Together, we can ensure that no woman faces cancer alone.

Let us unite for prevention, early detection and people-centred cancer care.