No two cancer experiences are alike, even for those diagnosed with the same type of cancer. As we commemorate World Cancer Day 2026, AccessHope joins a united global movement to recognize each person’s unique cancer journey and ensure that care is centered around the whole individual and their support network.
United Together by Our Uniqueness
World Cancer Day, an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)1, continues its three-year campaign, “United by Unique.” The theme emphasizes the strength we gain when we come united together, combining our voices, expertise, and compassion to push for a future where everyone has an equal chance at the best possible outcomes.
At AccessHope, this message deeply resonates. Cancer doesn’t affect only the patient – it profoundly impacts caregivers, families, and workplaces as well. A united approach means recognizing and supporting everyone touched by cancer, ensuring that patients and caregivers alike have access to the resources, guidance, and emotional support they need throughout the journey.
Why Personalization and Access Go Hand in Hand
Cancer is intensely personal and treatment should be too. The era of one-size-fits-all treatment is fading as precision medicine becomes the new standard with genomic insights, data science, and targeted therapies to tailor care to each individual. However, these advances are only meaningful if everyone can access them. AccessHope is helping make this a reality by connecting community oncologists and their patients to subspecialist expertise at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, ensuring that the latest knowledge, research, and treatment innovations reach patients, wherever they live.
Expanding Access to Clinical Trials for All
Clinical trials are at the heart of progress in cancer care. They offer patients access to promising therapies and provide researchers with vital data that shapes future treatment standards. Yet, only 7% of U.S. adults diagnosed with cancer participate2 in clinical trials, and the vast majority (85%) of enrollees are white, resulting in a lack of diversity and understanding of how cancer treatments impact racial and ethnic minorities.
AccessHope is addressing this inequity by:
- Launching a new service3 that uses AI-powered technology to match eligible patients with relevant clinical trials and guide them through enrollment.
- Empowering oncologists with timely information and support on trial opportunities to expand patient treatment options.
- Bridging barriers so that every patient, regardless of ZIP code, background, or financial situation, can benefit from cutting-edge research.
References
1 Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Leading global action on cancer. At: https://www.uicc.org/
2 Mutale F. Inclusion of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Cancer Clinical Trials: 30 Years After the NIH Revitalization Act, Where Are We?. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2022;13(8):755-757. doi:10.6004/jadpro.2022.13.8.2
3 AccessHope Blog: AccessHope Launches New Service to Help More Cancer Patients Enroll in Clinical Trials. At: https://www.myaccesshope.org/press-releases/new-service-to-help-more-cancer-patients-enroll-in-clinical-trials. Accessed January 26, 2026.
