World Cancer Day 2026: Theme, symptoms, prevention tips and awareness guide

The late British journalist John Diamond, then husband of celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, while living with cancer a few decades ago, famously said that cancer is a word, not a sentence. As we gear up to observe this year's World Cancer Day on February 4, Wednesday, his words are truer than ever. Cancer is a disease, and there is no need to treat its diagnosis as inevitable death.
This year, the day's theme, 'United by Unique,' underscores a shared goal for cancer care, while recognising that each patient's emotional, medical, and social realities are unique. No two people's journeys are the same; therefore, it's important to listen to survivors, their personal choices, tailored treatment options, and support systems.

General cancer symptoms
While every cancer has a different symptom depending on the part of the body affected, certain general signs of the disease, according to the World Health Organization is:
1) Unusual bleeding
2) Sore that's not healing and is getting worse
3) Blood in stool or urine
4) Stool consistency/colour/size changes
5) Lumps in any part of the body

6) Voice changes
7) Persistent cough
8) Difficulty swallowing
9) Poor appetite
10) Changes in moles on the body

Cancer prevention tips
Cancer Research UK lists a number of tips to prevent the disease, though these are not suitable for every type of cancer:
1)Lifestyle changes
Avoid smoking and drinking. Maintain a healthy weight, reduce excessive sun exposure, and ensure a balanced diet. Also, maintain quality sleep.
2) Take vaccines
Today, certain types of cancers can be prevented by administering vaccines that are proven and recommended by doctors. For instance, HPV-related cancers, like cervical, anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers, can be prevented by taking an HPV vaccine. Hepatitis B vaccines can also prevent chronic infections that cause liver cancer.
3) Avoid unsafe exposures
Stay safe from ultraviolet radiation exposure, occupational exposure to ionising radiation, indoor and outdoor pollution, and gases such as radon.

Cancer awareness is crucial
The most important step in cancer treatment or prevention is early detection and adherence to a specific treatment regimen. Routine checkups and screenings, along with preventive measures, can go a long way in saving a life from cancer. According to the Indian Cancer Society, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and oral and lung cancers - which are the three most common cancers in the country - can be managed well if there is proper awareness about their risk factors, myths and preventive measures. To know more, dial 1800-22-1951 for Cancer Helpline.