World Cancer Day 2025: United by Unique

On Feb 4, the world gathers under the new World Cancer Day theme, “United by Unique,” to emphasize the transformative power of personalized, patient-centered care in the global fight against cancer. This theme, which will guide efforts from 2025 to 2027, highlights the need to put individuals and their stories at the heart of cancer care. For Nepal, this presents an opportunity to reimagine its healthcare landscape, focusing on equity, tailored treatments and the human connections that strengthen resilience in the face of cancer.

A significant burden

Nepal’s cancer burden remains significant, with GLOBOCAN 2022 data revealing 22,008 new cases and 14,704 deaths annually. The most common cancers—lung, breast and cervical—continue to impact thousands, with lung cancer alone causing 15 percent of all cancer-related deaths. However, these numbers only tell part of the story. Behind each statistic lies a person—a father battling lung cancer, a mother fighting breast cancer, or a young girl grappling with cervical cancer. Their journeys are defined not only by their diagnoses but also by the unique social, economic and emotional challenges they face.

In rural Nepal, a cancer diagnosis often means traveling long distances for treatment, navigating financial hardship and confronting cultural stigmas. Recognizing these challenges, “United by Unique” underscores the need to build systems that see each patient as an individual with distinct needs.

A whole-person approach

Personalized care goes beyond tailored treatments; it focuses on addressing the whole person, considering their unique circumstances, challenges and needs. In Nepal, this requires understanding the specific risk factors that contribute to cancer, such as tobacco use, diet and environmental pollutants, and creating interventions that resonate with diverse communities.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of lung cancer in Nepal. Smoking, a deeply ingrained habit for many, requires more than generic anti-smoking campaigns. Personalized tobacco cessation programs that consider cultural attitudes, social contexts and individual motivations can significantly reduce smoking rates. These programs should offer tailored guidance, support systems and resources to help individuals quit smoking while addressing the underlying factors that perpetuate tobacco use.

Access to cancer screening is another critical aspect of personalized care. In Nepal, women in remote areas often face barriers to breast and cervical cancer detection due to a lack of healthcare infrastructure and awareness. Expanding mobile clinics and implementing localized awareness campaigns can bridge this gap, ensuring that early detection services reach those most in need. These efforts can empower women to take proactive steps in managing their health and reduce the burden of advanced-stage cancer diagnoses.

Psychosocial support is equally essential in the fight against cancer. Beyond its physical toll, cancer significantly impacts mental well-being. Providing counseling services and support groups tailored to patients' life stages, family dynamics, and cultural backgrounds can greatly improve their quality of life. These initiatives not only offer emotional relief but also foster a sense of community and resilience among patients and their families, reinforcing the holistic approach central to personalized care.

Care and advocacy

The theme “United by Unique” invites us to listen to and amplify patient voices. Each story sheds light on barriers in the healthcare system, from delayed diagnoses to limited treatment options. These narratives can inspire advocacy efforts for better policies, increased funding and greater collaboration among healthcare providers.

In recent years, initiatives in Nepal have shown the power of a human-centered approach. Programs like community-based cancer awareness drives and partnerships with local organizations have improved outreach and fostered trust among marginalized groups. However, more needs to be done to integrate patient feedback into the design of healthcare services.

Personalized care

Achieving the vision of “United by Unique” in Nepal demands a comprehensive and multifaceted strategy to strengthen systems for personalized cancer care. A crucial first step is investing in infrastructure by establishing provincial cancer centers equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment facilities. This will bring care closer to communities, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances and ensuring timely access to essential services. Equally important is promoting equity in care by addressing financial, geographic and social barriers that prevent many individuals from accessing treatment. Subsidized care, transportation support and inclusive policies can help bridge these gaps and ensure no one is left behind.

Leveraging technology is another vital component of this approach. Digital tools can be used to maintain detailed patient records, enabling healthcare providers to create personalized treatment plans and monitor follow-up care effectively. Technology also facilitates better communication and coordination among care teams. Additionally, fostering partnerships with international organizations, NGOs and local governments can enhance resource sharing, expertise and innovation, strengthening Nepal’s overall healthcare capacity. Finally, empowering patients and their families through educational programs is essential. Providing information about conditions, treatments and care processes equips families to offer informed support to their loved ones, creating a foundation for holistic and compassionate care. Together, these strategies can transform Nepal’s cancer care landscape and bring the vision of personalized care to life.

One patient at a time

This World Cancer Day, Nepal stands united with the global community to affirm that every patient’s journey matters. “United by Unique” challenges us to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and focus on the humanity at the core of healthcare. Together, by placing individuals at the center of cancer care, we can close gaps, foster hope and create a brighter future for all.

The author is a public health professional