This World Cancer Day, We Celebrate The Diversity Of Every Cancer Journey #UnitedByUnique

Shock. Confusion. Dread. Anger. Fear. Denial. Grief. 

These are just some of the emotions that form the spectrum of human experiences when faced with a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is a life-altering event for many people – arriving like a record scratch without warning and putting a screeching halt to an individual’s future. 

Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis – it’s a deeply personal matter. Each and every experience with cancer is unique, whether it’s a person living with cancer, a patient’s family member, a medical practitioner, a supporter, or an advocate – everyone sees a different face of cancer in their minds. 

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So, how do we support each cancer perspective, yet remain united in our fight against cancer? The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) aims to answer this question this World Cancer Day with their theme for 2025 – ‘United by Unique’.

World Cancer Day 2025 

What does ‘united by unique’ mean exactly? Well, it’s simple: when it comes to cancer, everyone has unique needs, unique perspectives, and a unique story to tell. Yet, we remain united in our shared ambition to lower the cancer burden, to see cancer treated successfully, and to help cancer survivors lead better lives.

By highlighting unique stories across the globe this 4th February on World Cancer Day, UICC aims to spotlight cancer’s infinite complexities and perspectives. This exchange of unique experiences can be a great step forward to uniting communities and advocating for empathy, understanding and a people-centered approach to cancer care. 

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This begins with raising awareness to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Be A Source Of Strength For Cancer Patients 

Every Cancer Diagnosis is UNIQUE

Right from a newborn baby to an elderly grandfather, cancer can strike at all phases of life. In India, 1 in 10 individuals is expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. With more than 200 types of cancer from breast cancer and oral cancer being the most common, to rare ones such as gallbladder cancer and Ewing sarcoma, the world of cancer is far more intricate than previously thought.

No two cancer journeys are the same. Many other factors make the cancer journey different for each patient – type and stage, severity and the treatments prescribed. After a cancer diagnosis, one must also take into account a patient’s emotional journey as they try to come to terms with such a life-altering change. 

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As we emphasize the diverse aspects of each person’s cancer journey, the need for integrating an individual-centric approach to cancer care comes to light. Prioritizing personalized cancer care enables a patient’s autonomy in this difficult journey, and helps them feel seen, heard and understood. 

Every Cancer Treatment Journey is UNIQUE

Imagine two scenarios: a child diagnosed with leukemia who responds well to chemotherapy, experiencing minimal side effects and returning to a normal routine within a few months; and another child with a rare type of cancer who undergoes a combination of surgeries and experimental therapies, facing numerous challenges throughout a lengthy treatment process. 

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Each journey highlights the varying experiences and needs of those affected by cancer. Thus, a personalized holistic approach to cancer care can help healthcare systems address each patient’s unique cancer journey and harness a more effective, tailored treatment for maximum impact.

The World Health Organization writes, “Developing more integrated people-centered care systems has the potential to generate significant benefits to the health and healthcare of all people.” People-centered cancer care represents an opportunity to refocus, rewire, and rewrite how we think about cancer. 

Unfortunately, many challenges such as systemic income inequities, unawareness and lack of resources often stand in the way of personalized cancer treatments.

So, how can we reinforce personalized care that is inclusive, diverse and compassionate?

1. Empower people, families, and communities 

By raising awareness and starting an open dialogue about the unique perspectives of cancer among the general population, we can practice empowerment with their stories at the heart of the conversation.

2. Help health systems reconfigure cancer care through unique perspectives

Whether you’re a person living with cancer, a patient’s family member, a medical practitioner, or a supporter, by simply sharing your unique views, you can bring valuable insight into cancer care and help health systems reorient cancer care and make it more individual-centric.

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3. Educate and engage the health workforce 

On the other side, through educating healthcare practitioners, we can ensure that they are given the resources, time, and working conditions needed to hear people’s unique narratives and collaborate with families and broader communities for a more impactful treatment journey. 

4. Focus on equitable access and high-quality care for all 

Now more than ever, with deep-seated inequities in healthcare systems, we must stand forward united and advocate for compassionate and collaborative cancer care. This begins with recognising each patient’s unique challenges and ensuring access to quality cancer care on an equal footing.

Also Read: The Healthcare Expense Disparity: Is It Ethical to Choose Crowdfunding for Your Medical Treatments?

Every Cancer Patient’s Challenges are UNIQUE

While many are privileged enough to afford expensive cancer treatments instantly or access better treatments abroad, on the other side, cancer treatment costs are a burden for many others, weighing their journey down. 

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Cancer costs can range from lakhs to even crores, depending on the type and severity of treatment. Additionally, beyond medical bills, cancer patients face costs for medicines, diagnostics, and quality nutrition. 

Nutrition can make or break one’s cancer journey, essential for maintaining strength during rigorous treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation. Lack of nutrition makes one unable to withstand such treatments, and can even put a halt to their cancer journey. 

Thus, keeping all aspects of cancer care in mind, it becomes difficult for patients to face financial challenges alone, not to mention dealing with the emotional highs and lows of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. 

In such trying times, many cancer patients choose crowdfunding platforms like ImpactGuru to make their treatment journey easier. 

Every Fundraising Journey On ImpactGuru  is UNIQUE

Recognizing the importance of celebrating the uniqueness of every cancer journey, ImpactGuru’s decade-long experience in helping patients raise funds contributes to creating new happy beginnings for our cancer warriors.

Here at ImpactGuru, we are witness to a myriad of unique stories unfolding on our platform. From Shilpa and Aslam returning to their passions after successfully raising funds for their cancer treatments, to young Sneha and Dhuthi reclaiming their childhoods after a difficult battle with cancer, ImpactGuru has played a key role in making these transformations possible. 

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To know more about how cancer fundraising works, click here.

Also Read: 2024 In Review: Stories That Inspired Millions With Their Courage

United In Challenges, Unique In Triumphs

At the end of the day, each of us possesses something important: a unique perspective. When we share our story, it has the power to inform, energise and inspire millions. Together, this rich collection of voices can transform into a collective call for better, more compassionate, and inclusive cancer care. 

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This World Cancer Day, let us uphold this year’s theme ‘United by Unique’, and come together to rewrite the future of cancer care - one where the needs of people and communities come first. Together, let us give cancer patients a safe space to share their stories and encourage open conversations embracing the diversity of cancer care.

By continuing to highlight unique real-life tales of resilience, we hold the power to shift perspectives and encourage meaningful and lasting action against cancer with a holistic approach. 

Together, let’s ensure that we place people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.