‘United by Unique’ – Transformative Shift to Personalise Fight Against Cancer
‘United by Unique’ – World Cancer Day 2025 highlights the urgent need for personalised, patient-centric cancer care. This year’s theme underscores moving beyond one-size-fits-all treatments by integrating emotional, psychological, and social support alongside medical advancements. With a focus on innovation in radiation oncology, bridging healthcare gaps in low- and middle-income countries, and empowering patient voices, the initiative aims to turn science into solace and empathy into action.
| Google News | Join WhatsApp | Join Telegram | Live |
Daily Mail 24 News Desk.
By Dr. Ravi Nadahalli, MD, Radiation Oncologist,
Sahyadri Narayana Cancer Care, Shivamogga
This year’s theme on World Cancer Day – United in Unique – underscores a transformative shift in oncology: the imperative to deliver personalised patient-centric care that honours the individuality of each and every cancer journey.
Every year on February 4th, the world unites to observe World Cancer Day, a global initiative launched in the year 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) through the Paris Charter. This day serves as a rallying cry to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire action against a disease that claims millions of lives annually.
The 2025 Theme: Why ‘United by Unique’ Matters
Cancer is not a monolithic enemy. Each patient’s experience—shaped by factors like cancer type, stage, genetic makeup, socioeconomic status and emotional resilience—demands tailored care. The 2025 theme highlights the following:
Moving beyond one-size-fits-all protocols to therapies aligned with a patient’s unique biology and life circumstances. Integrating emotional, psychological and social care alongside medical treatment. Bridging gaps in cancer care for underserved populations, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The fight against cervical cancer exemplifies this urgency. In 2022 alone, India reported 127,526 new cervical cancer cases, reflecting a global crisis where over half of the 600,000 annual diagnoses end in death. Such disparities highlight why the 2024 slogan ‘Close the Care Gap’ remains integral to 2025’s mission.
Radiation Oncology: A Journey of Innovation
From Wilhelm Röntgen’s discovery of X-rays in 1895 to modern linear accelerators, radiation oncology has revolutionised cancer care. Key milestones include:
Teleradiotherapy: The development of Cobalt-60 machines and mega voltage linear accelerators enabled precise, high-energy radiation delivery.
Brachytherapy: Placing radioactive sources near tumours (e.g., cervical cancer) maximises efficacy while sparing healthy tissue.
Advanced Techniques: 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) allow millimetre-level accuracy, improving outcomes and reducing side effects.
Today, technologies like Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) and Arc Therapy exemplify how innovation aligns with personalised care—whether curing early-stage cancers or palliating symptoms in advanced disease. While technology drives progress, compassion remains the cornerstone of healing. The 2025 theme reminds us of these key points:
Emotional Support – Patients and families need empathy as much as medical expertise.
Inclusivity – Cultural sensitivity and mutual respect ensure no patient feels marginalised.
Global Collaboration – Partnerships between governments, researchers and healthcare providers are vital to sharing knowledge and resources.
As we mark World Cancer Day 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to:
Promoting screenings and HPV vaccination to curb preventable cancers like cervical cancer. Advocating for affordable treatments and infrastructure in LMICs. Amplifying patient voices in treatment decisions and policy-making. Cancer is a battle fought not just in laboratories or hospitals, but in homes, communities, and hearts. By embracing the mantra ‘United by Unique’, we honour the individuality of every patient while forging a united front against this disease. Together, let’s turn science into solace and empathy into action.
| Google News | Join Facebook | Live | 24/7 Help Desk |
