World Cancer Day is a global initiative to inspire change and mobile action
Has your organisation thought about World Cancer Day in 2025 yet? If you haven’t, then chances are you aren’t alone. Yet, now is actually a good time to plan ahead as to how your organisation will support this high profile annual awareness day.
Because World Cancer Day is so much more than just a date in the calendar (4 February in case you weren’t sure). It’s a global initiative to inspire change and mobile action.
Cancer is no longer a rare occurrence within the working-age population. The number of people of working age being diagnosed with cancer continues to rise, with many of them determined to continue their careers while undergoing treatment. Additionally, within every workforce are individuals who are carers, supporting loved ones facing a cancer diagnosis.
Cancer is therefore relevant to every organisation, particularly with more people surviving cancer. Organisations that take part can create a legacy of positive change that in theory should long outlast the day itself.
Be genuine in your World Cancer Day support
With cancer now affecting one in two of us, employees will spot any disingenuous efforts and react accordingly, as it’s extremely likely, that no matter how large or small your organisation, many employees will have been affected by cancer in some way. Token gestures should be avoided when it comes to World Cancer Day. Instead, view this day as an opportunity to align your business with a vitally important cause, which can provide many benefits, including making a tangible difference in the lives of employees, their families and the broader community.
World Cancer Day gives organisations the chance to show employees impacted by cancer that there is support available for them at work, should they need it. By engaging with World Cancer Day, organisations can acknowledge the profound ways cancer affects employees—whether directly or indirectly. Supporting staff during these challenging times fosters a compassionate workplace culture, improves morale, and shows that your organisation truly values its people.
It also offers the opportunity to educate, address stigma and facilitate important open conversations. The earlier cancer can be detected the better the chance that treatment can achieve a successful outcome. Prevention is another key area that research is proving to be significant in reducing the chances of developing certain types of cancer. So encouraging staff to attend screening opportunities and adopt healthy lifestyles can make all the difference to someone who might otherwise have chosen to ignore a worrying symptom.
Cancer Support UK is concerned about the stigma that still surrounds cancer in the workplace. As a cancer charity, we want to see more organisations tackling this problem constructively and by doing so making the workplace a better place for anyone who has just received a cancer diagnosis, or who is going through treatment or who is caring for someone with cancer.
How can businesses recognise and support World Cancer Day?
Here’s how you can show your support for World Cancer Day and actually make a difference.
Cancer specific educational talks, workshops and webinars
First of all you could increase your workforce’s general understanding of cancer. You could start off with a short high level introduction to cancer, which provides information about the different types of cancer, physical and emotional side effects, types of treatment and the importance of language. This could raise awareness of cancer across your entire organisation and give all your employees a better understanding of the impact cancer has within a workforce.
Alternatively, encourage your Wellbeing Team to put in place a Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador scheme, which empowers volunteers, giving them the knowledge and tools, such as cancer specific communication and language skills to support colleagues facing cancer.
Another way to contribute is by taking part in a cancer related webinar, where you can hear experts talk about better ways of supporting people with cancer in the workplace, how to help them make a successful return to work and how to ensure that their ongoing physical and emotional needs are met.
Personal cancer experiences are extremely powerful and an effective way of encouraging changes in behavior and perception. Invite someone with lived experience to give a talk to your employees. Read Sara’s working with cancer story to learn more about the impact cancer can have on someone who is working while facing a life altering cancer diagnosis.
Signposting to support resources
Knowing where to go, who to speak to and what resources are available, can make a huge difference to someone who has received a cancer diagnosis. The phrase “you have cancer” is devastating and can stop someone in their tracks completely. Often they don’t know where to turn, which is where signposting to relevant charities and organisations can be invaluable, particularly if they have financial needs.
Fundraising
Organising fundraising events such as an internal charity Bake Off style competition, or a fancy dress theme day may sound a simple concept, but it’s a great way to unite colleagues while supporting a good cause. Use JustGiving, one of the most popular online charity donation platforms, to begin your fundraising efforts.
Here’s a list of other fundraising ideas:
- Host a bingo night or a silent auction.
- Take on a fitness challenge, eg 100 push-ups a day for a month,
- Organise a charity golf day
- Try hosting a skills auction. Volunteers offer their skills (i.e. teaching knitting, guitar, or electrical repairs) in exchange for donations.
- Skydive to fundraise
- Give up something you love, this could be caffeine, alcohol, chocolate etc
A step in the right direction
We’re encouraged to see more organisations reaching out to ask how they can participate in World Cancer Day. By taking part, you’re not only supporting a critical cause but also demonstrating your commitment to your employees and the wider community.
World Cancer Day isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about fostering empathy, reducing stigma, and empowering people to face cancer with dignity. Together, we can make the workplace a better place for those navigating the challenges of cancer—whether as patients, survivors, or carers.
So, on 4 February 2025, take the first step. Whether it’s organising a team activity, educating your workforce, or starting a dialogue, your involvement matters. Show your support, inspire change, and make a difference in raising awareness of cancer.
For more information and resources, visit www.cancersupportuk.org or email: hello@cancersupportuk.org and join us in turning compassion into action.
