Raising awareness of people-centred care on World Cancer Day

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On 4 February 2025 – in line with the Worldcancerday.org theme, “United by Unique” – FIGO is joining a global movement calling for greater emphasis on people-centred care to address women’s cancers, including cervical, ovarian, uterine and breast cancers. 

Cancer is more than a diagnosis—it is a deeply personal journey. People-centred care ensures that every patient’s unique needs, values and experiences are at the heart of treatment, while fostering community engagement and addressing healthcare inequities. This approach prioritises holistic support, including physical, emotional and social wellbeing, leading to better outcomes for women with cancer. 

The FIGO Committee on Women’s Cancer are sharing the importance of people-centred care: 

 “Women’s cancers pose significant challenges to women’s health globally, often creating far-reaching impacts on families and societies. Emphasising people-centred care enables us to address these challenges holistically, providing equitable, accessible and respectful care for every woman.” 

– Professor Sarikapan Wilailak, Chair

"Cancer in women, especially breast and cervical cancer, is one of the most common and most serious diseases in women. It is our task and an essential requirement that women globally have access to prevention strategies, screening and best available therapies."

– Professor Barbara Schmalfeldt, Vice Chair

By addressing the unique needs of every patient and fostering collaboration across healthcare disciplines, healthcare providers play a critical role in prevention, early detection and comprehensive management of women’s cancers, which is pivotal in enhancing outcomes for women with cancer. 

Providing a holistic approach ensures that treatment extends beyond medical procedures, focusing on dignity, quality of life and emotional support. By uniting medical expertise with compassion, we can make a transformative difference in cancer care worldwide. 

For more information, visit worldcancerday.org