Cancer awareness (in particular special cancer awareness dates) is something that many of us associate with the famous “Pink Ribbon”. The Pink Ribbon has come to represent breast cancer activism, with a particular focus on October, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Why are these cancer awareness dates so important?
Specific months or days of the year are dedicated to awareness, advocacy, and activism regarding the various forms of known cancers. Such activism can include:
- people displaying special ribbons in the colors associated with different cancer forms
- fundraising activities
- promotion of research
- increased education about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options
Another aspect of raising awareness for particular cancers is to promote solidarity and show support for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Cancer Awareness Months/Dates 2021 and 2022 – an Overview
The following is an overview of national or international awareness dates for cancer and related topics.
May 2021
- Awareness Month for these cancers/cancer-related topics:
- Bladder Cancer
- Brain Tumor
- Melanoma/Skin Cancer
- National Cancer Research
- Oncology Nursing
- Melanoma Monday (3)
- World Ovarian Cancer Day (8)
- Women’s Check-Up Day (12 – second Monday in May)
- Women’s Health Week (9-15)
- World No-Tobacco Day (31)
see also:
- Melanoma Monday – nationaltoday.com
- World Ovarian Cancer Day – worldovariancancercoalition.org
- Women’s Check-Up Day – nationaldaycalendar.com
- World No Tobacco Day – WHO.int
- Oncology Nursing Month – ons.org
- NIH – National Cancer Institute – cancer.gov
June 2021
- Awareness Month for these cancers/cancer-related topics:
- Cancer Immunotherapy
- Cancer Survivors
- National Cancer Survivors Day (6)
- Men’s Health Week (14-20)
- World Kidney Cancer Day (17)
- National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week (17-23)
see also:
- Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer – cancer.gov
- Cancer Survivors – cdc.gov
- Cancer Facts for Men – cancer.org
- National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week – fda.gov
July 2021
- Awareness Month for these cancers/cancer-related topics:
- Sarcoma and Bone Cancer
- UV Safety
- GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor) Awareness Day (13)
- Glioblastoma Awareness Day (22)
see also:
- UV Radiation – cdc.gov
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor – medlineplus.gov
- Glioblastoma – mayoclinic.org
August 2021
- Awareness Month for these cancers/cancer-related topics:
- Immunization Awareness
- World Lung Cancer Day (1)
see also:
- How to Prevent Cancer – or Find It Early – Vaccines (Shots) – cdc.gov
- World Lung Cancer Day – daysoftheyear.com
September 2021
- Awareness Month for these cancers/cancer-related topics:
- Blood Cancer
- Gynecologic Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Childhood Cancer
- Pain Awareness
- Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day (21)
- World Cancer Research Day (24)
- National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week (Sept 29-Oct 5)
see also:
- Take a Loved One to the Doctor Month – floridahealth.gov
- World Cancer Research Day – worldcancerresearchday.com
- National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week – portal.ct.com
October 2021
- Awareness Month for these cancers/cancer-related topics:
- Breast Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (9 – second Saturday of October)
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (13)
- National Mammography Day (15)
- National Healthcare Quality Week (17-23)
see also:
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month – britannica.com
- Breast Cancer Activism History – time.com
- World Hospice and Palliative Care Day – thewhpca.org
- Mammography – radiologyinfo.org
- National Healthcare Quality Week – nahq.org
November 2021
- Awareness Month for these cancers/cancer-related topics:
- Carcinoid Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Marrow
- Family Caregivers
- Hospice and Palliative Care
- World Neuroendocrine Tumor Awareness Day (NET Cancer Day) (10)
- Great American Smokeout (18 – third Thursday of November)
- World Pancreatic Cancer Day (19)
see also:
- The Great American Smokeout – awarenessdays.com
December 2021
- Awareness of these health-related topics:
- World AIDS Day (1)
- National Influenza Immunization Week (5-11)
see also:
- HIV/AIDS-Related Cancer – cancer.net
- Living With HIV? Here’s What You Need to Know About Cancer – cancer.net
- How to Protect Yourself From the Flu During Cancer Treatment – cancer.net
- Flu Facts for People With Cancer – cancer.net
January 2022
- Awareness Month (US):
- Cervical Health
see also:
- Cervical Cancer Awareness – cdc.gov
February 2022
- World Cancer Day (4.)
- National Donor Day (14.)
- International Childhood Cancer Day (15.)
- Rare Disease Day (28. – annually on the last day of February)
see also:
- World Cancer Day – worldcancerday.org
- National Donor Day – organdonor.gov
- International Childhood Cancer Day – internationalchildhoodcancerday.org
- What is Rare Disease Day? – rarediseaseday.com
March 2022
- Awareness Month for these cancers/cancer-related topics:
- Colorectal Cancer
- Myeloma
- Kidney Cancer
- International HPV Awareness Day (4.)
see also:
- International HPV Awareness Day – ipvsoc.org
April 2022
- Awareness Month for these cancers/cancer-related topics (US):
- Esophageal Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer
- National Cancer Control
- National Minority Cancer
- National Young Adult Cancer
see also:
- National Cancer Control Programmes (NCCP) – who.int
- Advancing Health Equity – Addressing Cancer Disparities – cancer.org
- Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer – cancer.gov
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