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.
Link: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness

World Cancer Day

Dates: 4 February
Info: Global campaign promoting cancer awareness, prevention, and improving access to treatment and care.
Link: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness


Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Focuses on recognising symptoms and improving early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer.
Link: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Encourages awareness of symptoms and early detection of ovarian cancer.
Link: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness


Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Highlights risk factors, symptoms, and support for prostate cancer.
Link: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Promotes awareness of symptoms and the importance of screening for bowel cancer.
Link: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/awareness-and-prevention/cancer-awareness-calendar

Download our communications toolkit to share info on bowel cancer awareness


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.
Link: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/awareness-and-prevention/cancer-awareness-calendar

Sun Awareness Promotes sun safety and skin cancer prevention throughout the year. Learn more: Awareness Resources  

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Aims to raise awareness of symptoms such as blood in urine and the importance of early diagnosis. Learn more: https://www.actionbladdercanceruk.org/ 

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Raises awareness of symptoms and encourages earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Learn more: https://ovarian.org.uk/  

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: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day 

Cervical Screening Awareness Week
15–21 June 2026
Focused on improving uptake of cervical screening and raising awareness of prevention and early detection. Usually heavily supported by NHS England and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

Cervical Screening Information (NHS)
Cervical Screening Campaign Resources

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.

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.

British Association of Dermatologists – Sun Awareness
Sun Awareness Week Information

Sarcoma Awareness Month

Info: Raises awareness of rare cancers affecting bones and soft tissues.
Link: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/awareness-and-prevention/cancer-awareness-calendar

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Focuses on awareness of blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Link: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/awareness-and-prevention/cancer-awareness-calendar

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Promotes early detection, screening, and support for those affected by breast cancer.
Link: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Raises awareness of symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis of lung cancer.
Link: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness

View our Lung Cancer Screening stakeholder toolkit: PowerPoint or PDF


Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Info: Focuses on symptoms, risk factors, and improving early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Link: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness