Every year, World Cancer Day reminds us that cancer affects each person differently and that every story matters. The 2026 theme, “United by Unique,” beautifully reflects this belief. It calls upon communities, institutions, healthcare workers, survivors, and supporters to come together while recognising the unique journeys of individuals facing cancer.
A Month of Action Across Karnataka
Throughout February 2026, ICS marked World Cancer Day with a series of impactful cancer awareness events across Karnataka and beyond, reaching thousands of individuals and strengthening the movement to Rise Against Cancer.
Walkathons Across the State
To promote awareness and encourage collective action, five major walkathons were organised across Karnataka, witnessing an overwhelming turnout of participants from across the state.
- On 1st Feb at Mangalore
- On 4th Feb at Gulbarga
- On 5th Feb at Bidar
- On 7th Feb at Yadgir
- On 8th Feb at Kengeri
- On 9th Feb at Vijayapura
These walkathons brought together students, healthcare professionals, volunteers, survivors, caregivers, and citizens, all walking with one shared purpose: awareness, prevention, and hope.
Capacity Building & Community Empowerment
Recognising the vital role of grassroots health workers, ICS conducted ASHA workers’ capacity building and training sessions on 4 February 2026 in Sirsi, along with focused training programmes such as:
- Breast Self-Examination Training at AJ Hospital, Mangalore on 4 February 2026
- Awareness sessions in Belagavi on 4 February 2026
- An awareness event in Ernakulam on 4 February 2026
By strengthening the knowledge and skills of frontline workers, ICS continues to ensure that early detection and correct information reach communities at the grassroots level.
Media Outreach
To expand the reach of the World Cancer Day message, ICS collaborated with leading radio platforms:
- Radio talks on Radio Mirchi on 4 February 2026
- Radio talks on Radio Fever on 4 February 2026
- A special broadcast on All India Radio during February
These conversations helped spread awareness about prevention, early detection, and patient support to a wide audience.
Special Initiatives
Beyond awareness activities, February also focused on patient-centred initiatives:
- Nutrition Kit Distribution – Mangalore on12 February 2026
- Hope & Joy Fest – Bangalore on 15 February 2026
- Cancer Survivor & Caregiver Programme – AJ Hospital, Mangalore on 19 February 2026
- Hair Donation Drive – AJ Hospital, Mangalore on 7 February 2026
These initiatives reflect ICS’s holistic approach, addressing not only prevention and detection, but also emotional wellbeing, rehabilitation, and dignity for those affected by cancer.
The World Cancer Day activities throughout February 2026 demonstrated the power of collective action. From walkathons that filled city streets with determination, to training sessions empowering frontline workers, to survivor programmes celebrating resilience, every event reflected the spirit of being United by Unique.
At ICS, we remain committed to building a cancer-aware, cancer-prepared society where every individual’s journey is respected and supported.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors, partners, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and community members who helped us reach far and wide.
