Candle Lighting Day, observed annually on 14 December, is a global moment dedicated to honoring the lives of those lost to cancer. On this day, individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and advocacy organizations around the world light candles in remembrance, creating a continuous wave of light that symbolizes collective compassion, memory, and hope.
A Worldwide Tradition of Unity
The observance follows a simple yet powerful concept: as time zones progress across the globe, candles are lit at designated times, ensuring that light shines continuously for 24 hours. This shared act transcends borders, cultures, and languages, uniting communities in a common purpose to remember, to reflect, and to stand together against cancer.
Supporting Families and Communities Affected by Cancer
Candle Lighting Day also serves as a moment of solidarity with families, caregivers, and loved ones who continue to live with the impact of cancer. It acknowledges grief while fostering connection, understanding, and mutual support among those affected by the disease.
A Symbol of Hope and Commitment
Beyond remembrance, the candle represents hope, hope for continued advances in cancer research, improved access to care, and better outcomes for patients worldwide. For healthcare professionals and researchers, the day reinforces a shared commitment to advancing oncology through innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care.
Childhood Cancer International- Europe also made a post on LinkedIn
“Today is World Candle Lighting Day. At 7:00 PM local time, let’s light a candle and let the memories shine as we commemorate children who have passed away from cancer. As candles are lit across the world, we create a shared circle of light that continues for 24 hours.
How to take part
Light a candle
Take a photo
Share it on social media with Candle Lighting Day hashtag and tag us
Let’s create a global light of remembrance and support.”
International Society of Paediatric Oncology:
“On Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, we pause to remember the children whose lives were taken too soon by cancer.
Each light we kindle carries a name, a story, a love that will never fade.
This December 14, we invite you to join Childhood Cancer International (CCI) and SIOP in lighting a candle wherever you are to honor their memory and to stand with the families who carry their light forward every day. A single flame may be small, but together our candles ignite a global moment of unity, remembrance, and love.
They remind the world that these children lived, they mattered, and they will never be forgotten.
Share your candle photo using Candle Lighting Day and add your light to this shared tribute.
Your light matters.
Your remembrance matters.
Together, we keep their flame alive.”
OncoDaily’s Role in Raising Awareness
OncoDaily recognizes Candle Lighting Day as an important occasion to reflect on the human impact of cancer and to amplify voices across the oncology community. By sharing stories, insights, and global initiatives, OncoDaily remains committed to informing, connecting, and supporting professionals and advocates working toward a future with better cancer care.
Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD