World Cancer Day (WCD), which fell on Feb. 4, is a day observed globally to remind the public of the struggles of patients fighting cancer.
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), a non-governmental cancer advocacy organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, was the first to promote WCD back in 2000.
Since then, the annual observance of WCD has aimed to raise cancer awareness, seek solutions to ongoing challenges, celebrate achievements, and voice future goals regarding cancer care, including its prevention, diagnosis, and management.
“World Cancer Day calls on us all to unite in our diverse experiences and needs, working together towards a future where health systems prioritize the individual and community needs in cancer management,” said Dr. Mardiah Suci Hardianti, MD, Head of the Subspecialty Program in Internal Medicine, UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK UGM), Tuesday (Feb. 11).
According to the Chair of the Yogyakarta Branch of the Indonesian Oncology Association, this year’s World Cancer Day celebration theme, “United by Unique,” highlights the importance of a patient-centered approach to cancer care.
This approach recognizes that behind every cancer diagnosis lies a unique human story—a story of sadness, pain, healing, resilience, love, and more.
Cancer patients are not merely viewed from the perspective of their illness but as individuals with needs, emotions, and unique viewpoints.
“With this understanding, it is hoped that better health outcomes and quality of life can be achieved in various aspects through empathetic and compassionate responses that are more aligned with the individual needs of each patient,” said the medical staff member specializing in cancer and blood disorders at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, UGM Academic Hospital (RSA UGM), and PKU Muhammadiyah Hospital in Yogyakarta.
The United by Unique campaign, which will span the next three years, will collect stories from patients, survivors, caregivers, and others touched by the fight against cancer.
According to Dr. Hardianti, these stories will ultimately highlight the significance of compassionate, personalized care and inspire lasting, impactful actions.
This campaign will demonstrate that everyone plays a role in adding value to cancer patient care.
Contributor: Dr. Mardiah Suci Hardianti, MD.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Illustration: Freepik