PHILADELPHIA – The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) today joins individuals and organizations around the world in recognizing World Cancer Day 2025. Led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), World Cancer Day occurs every year on February 4.

Each case of cancer is unique, in part, because no two individuals impacted by cancer are the same. Not only does cancer encompass over 200 different diseases, but each person’s life situation differs in terms of socioeconomic background, culture, values, and preferences. To better address these differences, UICC has launched a World Cancer Day campaign focused on people-centered care called “United by Unique.”

Incorporating the unique perspective of patients into cancer research has been a long-standing mission of the AACR. The organization’s efforts include patient advocacy programs that help ensure that the patient voice is heard as early in the research process as possible; AACR Cancer Progress Reports that feature profiles of patients who are a testament to the power and impact of medical research; the Cancer Today magazine that aims to educate and empower patients, survivors, and caregivers; and meetings, forums, programs, workshops, and more that bring people together from around the world to learn about the latest advances in cancer research, including what it could mean from a patient perspective.

“We are very proud to recognize and support World Cancer Day alongside UICC and many other organizations around the world,” said AACR CEO Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc). “Everything we do is in pursuit of better outcomes for patients. There is no effective ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to cancer treatment. Recognizing the needs of the individual and integrating the expertise of the patient community into cancer research are central to the success of the entire cancer research enterprise.”

To learn more about World Cancer Day and the AACR’s efforts to empower patients across the globe, visit the AACR blog.

This announcement was originally published on February 4, 2025, by the American Association for Cancer Research. It is republished with permission.