Cancer awareness dates

Cancer awareness days, weeks and months are important in helping us to spread awareness and show support for people living with cancer. Learn more about the different types of cancers and symptoms to look out for, as well as how you can get involved in supporting the lives of people diagnosed with cancer in the UK. 

January Awareness Dates

A smiling woman leaning on some railings wearing a red coat
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month. Cervical cancer affects women of all ages and backgrounds. Find out more about signs and symptoms to look out for, and where you can find information and support.

February Awareness Dates

Jenny is a Macmillan Support Line Welfare Rights Advisor. She is sitting at a desk and smiling at the camera. She is wearing a red top and blue jeans. On her head is a headset and she appears to be working at a computer.
World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day falls on February 4th. Discover how you can get the support you need, like help with money and finances. Or how you can get involved to improve future cancer care and support.
Two men sitting across from each other on a picnic bench talking.
Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month
In the UK, around 9000 people are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer each year. Learn more about when you should get checked by a GP, as well as what treatments are used.

March Awareness Dates

Macmillan employee talking to woman in yellow jumper
Brain Tumour Awareness Month
March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Learn about brain tumour symptoms and how Macmillan can support you if you have been diagnosed.
Errol, diagnosed with prostate cancer, sitting on some steps in a garage.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer affects around 48,600 men in the UK each year. Trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth also need to be aware of prostate cancer and the symptoms to look out for.
A south Asian lady with brown hair with a sign supporting people with cancer .
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you are directly affected by ovarian cancer, or you just want to find out more, we have information that can help.

April Awareness Dates

Luke is sat in the garden with his son on his lap.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you are directly affected by bowel cancer, or you just want to find out more, we have information about symptoms and support, as well as the ways you can help.
Two men in conversation walking outdoors. They both have their back towards the camera.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you're one of the 2,400 people diagnosed with testicular cancer each year, or just want to find out more, we have information that can help.

May Awareness Dates

Steven sits on a sofa reading a cancer information leaflet. A laptop is open on his lap.
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Every May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. Find out more about bladder cancer and resources to help you and others.

A female Macmillan Nurse wearing a blue uniform stands next to a hospital cubicle curtain
International Nurses Day

On Sunday 12 May, we celebrate International Nurses Day. Learn about our fantastic Macmillan nurses and the many ways you can show your support.

Woman applying sunscreen to mans face while at a beach.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. All types of skin are at risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Read some frequently asked questions about skin cancer and the support that's available if you need it.

An woman of East Asian heritage is browsing on her laptop.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
The third Thursday of every May is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. We share how we make our information and support accessible for people living with cancer.

June Awareness Dates

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Cervical Screening Awareness Week
17 - 23 June 2024 is Cervical Screening Awareness Week. Read about common questions about cervical screening and ways you can spread awareness.
LGBTQ+ Pride
We have information and advice about cancer for LGBTQ+ people that we created in partnership with Live Through This – a cancer support and advocacy charity for the LGBTIQ+ community.
A man preparing a protein or healthy milkshake in his kitchen
National Cancer Survivors Day
Cancer Survivors Day takes place on 2 June to celebrate life and raise awareness and support for people living after cancer. We have information to help with the physical and emotional after-effects of treatment. 

July Awareness Dates

Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week
Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week takes place in July. Finding out you have cancer is difficult at any time but when you are pregnant, it can be frightening and confusing. There is help and support available.
Macmillan Professional using an iPad/tablet with a patient
Sarcoma Awareness Month
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. Sarcomas are cancers that develop in the supporting tissues of the body, such as bones and muscles. Find out more about the different types and the information and support available. 

August Awareness Dates

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week
The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Awareness Week. We have information on how cancer can impact pregnancies and breastfeeding, as well as where to access specialist support.  

September Awareness Dates

Woman sitting at table with a cup of tea
Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month
September is Gynaecological cancer awareness month. If you've been diagnosed with any of these cancer types – womb, ovarian, vaginal or vulva, or just want to be aware of symptoms. Macmillan can help.
A Macmillan nurse sits smiling with a young woman looking at a Macmillan information booklet
Urological Cancer Awareness Month

According to the research done by Bupa, 1 in 5 UK adults who have experienced urological cancer symptoms have not seen a doctor due to being too embarrassed to go. Help break down the stigma and learn how to self-examine and what signs to look out for.

Macmillan Nurse talks to Katie and her family at their home
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In the UK and Ireland, around five children are diagnosed with cancer each week. We have information for teenagers and young adults living with cancer.

Blood cancer awareness month. Image of two women talking on sofa.
Blood Cancer Awareness Month

There are 3 main types of blood cancer (leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma), which can affect your blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system. Learn how we can help if you're affected by blood cancer, and how you can raise awareness.

October Awareness Dates

Man in grey jumper looking at laptop
Liver Cancer Awareness Month

Primary liver cancer is rare in the UK, but the number of people developing it is increasing. Learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatment.

A screen capture of Bami talking about her breast cancer story. The photo is captioned 'Breast cancer is power'
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Whether you’re one of the 55,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer each year, or just want to find out more, Macmillan can help.
A family walking in the park on a sunny winter's day
Menopause Awareness Month
We highlight the support available if you are going through the menopause or you are experiencing menopausal symptoms following cancer treatment.
Two men on a hike hugging
World Mental Health Day
10th October is World Mental Health Day. Find out how Macmillan is supporting people's mental health and well-being.

November Awareness Dates

Lloyd, wearing a baseball cap, sits talking to Emma, a Macmillan Benefits Advisor.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is Lung Cancer Awareness month. Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. Find out more about signs and symptoms, where you can find information and support, and how you can make a difference.
Man in checked shirt talking to Macmillan employee while sitting outdoors
Mouth Cancer Awareness Month

November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month. Mouth cancer (also known as oral cancer) is one of the most common types of head and neck cancer. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Two nurses in dark blue uniforms are sitting down. The nurses are from the Macmillan Prehabilitation Team. They are facing towards a patient who is also sitting down. The patient has on a long grey top and grey dungarees. Behind them are exercise machines.
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that starts in the pancreas. About 10,500 people are diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas in the UK each year.

We have more information about pancreatic cancer.

Transgender Awareness Week

13 - 19 November is Transgender Awareness Week. If you are transgender, non-binary, or both, you may have questions about your risk of cancer, or the screening or treatment you may need.

December Awareness Dates

Two women sitting on a bench talking. One is wearing brown boots and a floral scarf the other is wearing a black cardigan, jeans and trainers.
Grief Awareness Week
December 2-8 is National Grief Awareness Week. If a loved one has died, it can be hard to cope with your emotions and the practical things you need to do. We have information and support to help. 
Woman in wheelchair and woman in black clothing looking at cancer booklets displayed on a wall.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3 is the UN's International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Cancer is legally classed as a disability. Learn about how the law protects you against discrimination if you have had a cancer diagnosis.
Other awareness dates

Online Community

A man looking at the Online Community website from his laptop.

Online Community: Cancer Awareness

Our Online Community is a place for people affected by cancer to chat to others, share experiences or vent emotions. On the Online Community news blog, we discuss important issues surrounding cancer and help raise awareness of all the different ways that cancer can affect life.

 

Join the Online Community

How you can help

Macmillan is here for everybody living with cancer, with our specialist information, support and services. But we couldn't do it without our incredible supporters. Here are a few ways you can get involved.

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Read information to support yourself and others

We produce independent, expert, up-to-date information for people affected by cancer. Our information is based on the latest evidence and is reviewed every 2 to 3 years. We have information about cancer types, diagnosis, treatment and supporting someone with cancer. 

You could also direct people to our cancer information booklets and to our list of services.

 

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Volunteer at Macmillan events to support people living with cancer

The support provided by Macmillan volunteers is integral to helping us to be there for people with cancer, in their community, from the moment of diagnosis and for however long they need us.

Find volunteering opportunities.

Share our pages on your social media

There are cancer awareness days, weeks and months throughout the year. Sharing our pages helps to spread awareness about the different cancer types and the support available to people. 

Campaign with us

Campaign with us to make sure people living with cancer have their voices heard. There are many ways to support Macmillan Cancer Support's campaigns, from attending events to contacting your MP. Get the latest information and materials you need to successfully campaign.

Campaign with us.

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Share your story

One of the best ways the spread awareness of cancer is by sharing your story with us. In partnership with Macmillan, cancer voices share their diverse lived experience to influence our work.

Join the cancer voices community.

Take part in upcoming events

Taking part in an event for Macmillan is a great way to raise awareness.
Do something Mighty in 2024

Challenge yourself to a full or half marathon Mighty Hike. It's the perfect opportunity to get active, reconnect with friends and family and raise money for people with cancer. 

Game Heroes
This winter take part in our new gaming fundraising challenges on Tiltify and help us do whatever it takes for people living with cancer.
A woman wearing a green Macmillan running t-shirt running on a London street and high fiving a supporter as she passes them.A woman wearing a green Macmillan running t-shirt running on a London street and high fiving a supporter as she passes them.
Take part in a charity run
Help us raise vital funds by taking part in a running event. Whether you're going for 5K or an ultra-marathon we'll be with you every step of the way.