World Cancer Research Day 2026 marked 10 years of bringing the global cancer community together to celebrate scientific progress, strengthen collaboration, and highlight the importance of making research and innovation accessible to every patient.
European Association for Cancer Research (EACR):
“The EACR is proud to support World Cancer Research Day. Every step forward in the fight against cancer is made possible through research.
Decades of scientific advances have transformed outcomes for millions of people, helping them live longer and better after diagnosis. Sustained support for research can accelerate discoveries, and bring new hope to millions of people affected by cancer.”
Marta Puyol, Scientific Director and Deputy GM at the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association against Cancer (FC AECC):
“10 years. Two photos. The same conviction.
In 2016 we launched an idea that seemed simple at the time: to dedicate a day to talking about hope, advances and challenges in cancer research.
Today, 10 years later, we celebrate World Cancer Research Day. What started as an initiative has grown into a global movement with more than 600,000 people.
And when I look at these two photos, separated by a decade, there is something that particularly catches my attention: we are still talking about innovation, collaboration and regulation, but the language of research has evolved.
Today we talk about advanced therapies, pragmatic clinical trials, precision medicine and quality of life. We have made a lot of progress. But there are still enormous challenges: accelerating the arrival of innovation to patients, making research more accessible and ensuring that no one is left behind.
That’s why this day matters.
Because for 24 hours we achieved something that 10 years ago seemed difficult: that cancer research has a place in all agendas.
We continue to move forward together.”
Jens Lehmann, Postdoctoral researcher at Medical University of Innsbruck:
“Happy to have participated in this event and on the panel to discuss the importance of, and how we can improve cancer research!
We need strong, independent cancer research that is designed for and together (!) with patients.
We need to make sure that patients have better access to clinical trials and that information/outcomes from trials are shared with patients. Not only survival data, but also how treatment affects quality of life.
Thanks for Also giving a voice to early career researchers at the panel/table!
Great to participate on behalf of LVR-Universitätsklinik Essen and the West German Cancer Center.”
“One day after marking the 10th anniversary of World Cancer Research Day in Brussels, the message remains clear: progress happens when we work together. We thank all who contributed to yesterday’s celebration at EORTC HQ and to progress in cancer research worldwide.
‘Cancer does not discriminate. We cannot allow scientific progress to become a source of social inequality.’
A powerful message from Her Majesty Queen Letizia of Spain at yesterday’s World Cancer Research Day event. Access to innovation must benefit all patients.”
Don’t miss: Global Cancer Leaders Gather in Brussels to Mark 10 Years of World Cancer Research Day
