World Cancer Day 2025
World Cancer Day is celebrated on 4 February each year to raise awareness about cancer and to improve access to quality care, including screening, early detection, treatment, and palliative care.
The World Cancer Day theme for 2025 is “United by Unique”, which places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.
Today HFN would like to take a moment to honor all those affected by cancer, and to encourage people to get screened early.
For those struggling: we see you. Behind each diagnosis is a unique human story of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love, and much more.
Getting screened:
It is important to get screened early. Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer, include:
Fatigue
Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin
Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Persistent cough or trouble breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that concern you. If you don't have any signs or symptoms but are still worried about your risk of cancer, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Ask about which cancer screening tests and procedures are appropriate for you.
How to help someone with a cancer diagnosis:
If you are not sure how to offer support, here are some ideas:
Try to process your own feelings beforehand, as your own experiences can affect how you react. Learn about the diagnosis through reliable sources so that you’re as informed as possible.
Offer assistance, even with small tasks and check what would be most helpful (sometimes people have an abundance of food, but no-one to walk the dog), offer help in specific, concrete ways and follow up on your commitment.
Spend time with the person. Ask if they would like to talk about their experience. Let them decide what and how much to share. Allow them to share their fears. Be available to talk as often as they wish, and be sensitive if the person would like their space.
Talk about things other than cancer.