“United by the single”: a global campaign to personalize cancer care

On the occasion of World Cancer Day on February 4, the International Union against Cancer (UICC) is launching a campaign for the next three years (2025-2027) on the theme “united by the single”. The goal? Change paradigm in cancer care, by replacing the patient at the heart of exchanges in order to adapt care and treatments to his specific case. “” “The objective of the first year of this campaign which will last three years is to highlight the obstacles and gaps of health systems as well as existing good practices in terms of care of people focused on people”, Specifies the international organization.

Cancer: more than a diagnosis, “it’s a deeply personal affair”

The year 2022 was marked by 20 million new cases of cancer, with 9.7 million people who died. “” “If about one in five people develop cancer in their lifetime, each route remains unique”, Says the UICC in a press release sent to the media. And for good reason, cancer already includes more than 200 types of diseases with specific treatments and each person is “in a unique situation, influenced by its socio-economic context, its values ​​and preferences”.

People are more than just patients – all are unique individuals with unique needs. This #WorldcancerDay On 4 february, lets commit to care that embraces each person’s story and their needs. #Unitedbyunic pic.twitter.com/svqwz4l20x

– Union for International #CanceControl (@uicc) January 27, 2025

“” “It is a question of providing health and treatment services for cancer that meet the specific needs of each individual, at the right time and appropriately. This approach of care encourages individuals to play a more active role in their own health”, Details the UICC.

Personalize care to improve survival rates and quality of life

Personal care includes several key elements:

• Focus on people as a whole, not only on their
  cancer.
• Involve cancer patients, families and communities in
  as long as active partners in care.
• Coordinate cancer care in all health services and environments.
• Respond to the physical, emotional and social needs of the patients.
• Allow individuals and communities to manage their own health.

“” “By placing individuals and communities at the heart of decisions, health systems gain in efficiencyspecifies Ulrika Årehed Kågström, president of the UICC. Cancer care is more empathy, which increases survival rates and improves quality of life.”This approach also helps reduce health costs and increase patient confidence in health professionals. “” “It increases the satisfaction of the patients and their families, while improving health equity and the overall effectiveness of health systems”, Complete the UICC.

7 measures to promote personal health care

To achieve this profound change in the way in which health and cancerology services are currently designed and provided, the international organization offers the implementation of seven measures:

1. the development of national policies and strategies that include participation
   Community;
2. strengthening primary health care and community services;
3. Improving coordination and integration of care at all levels;
4. assistance of patients and communities through education and taking
   shared decision;
5. investment in digital health technologies and data systems;
6. the training of health professionals in care approaches centered on
   people ;
7. the favorization of community partnerships and support networks.

Finally, to enhance this campaign, the UICC calls people with cancer, survivors or health professionals to share their story here : “Whether you are a person living with cancer, a loved one or a healthcare professional, you have something important: a unique perspective.»