Cancer awareness calendar

Throughout the year there are national and international campaigns that focus on specific cancers or risk factors. These awareness months and weeks provide an opportunity for organisations, healthcare professionals and community groups to promote early diagnosis, prevention and support for people affected by cancer.

Each campaign usually includes resources such as posters, social media content, patient information and guidance for healthcare professionals that can be used locally to support awareness activity.

If you would like to share a training event or learning opportunity for inclusion in the calendar, please contact the Cancer Alliance administration team at: bobicb-bw.england.tvcaadmin@nhs.net

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Raises awareness of cervical cancer prevention, including screening and HPV vaccination. Take a look at our primary and community care cervical screening uptake support toolkit
Link: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month | Macmillan Cancer Support

World Cancer Day

Dates: 4 February
Info: Global campaign promoting cancer awareness, prevention, and improving access to treatment and care.
Link: World Cancer Day 2026


Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Focuses on recognising symptoms and improving early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer.
Link: Oesophageal cancer awareness month

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Encourages awareness of symptoms and early detection of ovarian cancer. View our gynaecological cancer information webpage for more information.
Other link: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month


Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Highlights risk factors, symptoms, and support for prostate cancer. Check out our prostate cancer awareness campaign toolkit which has materials and information to share.

Other link: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Promotes awareness of symptoms and the importance of screening for bowel cancer. View our bowel cancer information webpage which covers key questions about bowel cancer.

Take a look at our primary and community care bowel cancer awareness campaign toolkit

Other link: Bowel cancer (including rectal cancer and colon cancer)

 


Testicular Cancer Awareness Month 

Info: Increasing awareness of testicular cancer, promote early detection and encourage men to check regularly. 
Learn more: https://www.testicularcanceruk.com/  


Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Raising awareness of head and neck cancers, including key symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis.
Link: Head and neck cancer | Cancer Research UK  


Other Campaigns This Month

  • Sarcoma Awareness Month: Aims to increase understanding of sarcoma, a rare cancer, and highlight the importance of early diagnosis and specialist care.
    Learn more: About sarcoma | Sarcoma UK 

 

 

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Focuses on sun safety, prevention, and early detection of skin cancer. View our skin cancer awareness page for more
Other links:

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Aims to raise awareness of symptoms such as blood in urine and the importance of early diagnosis. Learn more: Action Bladder Cancer UK (ABC UK) 

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Raises awareness of symptoms and encourages earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Learn more: Ovarian Cancer Information Hub | Ovarian Cancer Action 

World Ovarian Cancer Day – May 8 | Ovarian Cancer Action 

World No Tobacco Day 

31 May Highlights the harms of tobacco use and supports smoking cessation. Learn more: World No Tobacco Day

Cervical Screening Awareness Week
Usually held in June  – Focused on improving uptake of cervical screening and raising awareness of prevention and early detection. You can find more information on our webpage: Cervical cancer – thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk

Primary and community care teams can see our cervical screening improvement toolkit here

Other useful sites:

Myeloma Awareness Week Myeloma Awareness Week raises awareness of myeloma, a type of blood cancer, and highlights the importance of recognising symptoms and improving earlier diagnosis. More information and campaign resources are available via Myeloma UK

Men’s Health Week
15–21 June 2026. Often linked to prostate, testicular and bowel cancer awareness messaging. View our prostate cancer communications toolkit for materials and information. More via: Men’s Health Forum

Sun Awareness Week
Usually June 2026 dates TBC. Led by the British Association of Dermatologists. Frequently used for skin cancer and melanoma prevention messaging around UV exposure and sunscreen. Useful site: Sun Awareness Week – BAD Patient Hub

British Association of Dermatologists – Sun Awareness week

Sarcoma Awareness Month

Info: Raises awareness of rare cancers affecting bones and soft tissues.
Link: What is sarcoma? | Sarcoma UK

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Focuses on awareness of blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Link: Blood cancer – what is it, symptoms and treatment | Blood Cancer UK

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Promotes early detection, screening, and support for those affected by breast cancer. Find out more here: NHS Breast Cancer Screening Programme. Primary care and community care groups may find our breast cancer screening uptake support toolkit useful.
Other links:

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Raises awareness of symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis of lung cancer. Find out more about lung cancer screening on our Lung cancer screening page
View our lung cancer screening communications toolkit

Link: Lung Cancer Awareness Month

 


Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Focuses on symptoms, risk factors, and improving early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Link: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (PCAM) – Pancreatic Cancer UK