Magdalene Iyamu Cancer Foundation

Sarcoma & Bone Cancer Awareness
2026-07-01 08:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00 UTC | Benin city, Sate wide event, Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
July is globally recognized as
Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month. In 2026, this awareness initiative begins on Wednesday, July 1, and runs throughout the entire month to highlight these rare but significant “forgotten cancers”.

Key Goals for 2026

Early Detection Advocacy: Since sarcomas often mimic common injuries or growing pains, the 2026 campaign focuses on educating both the public and GPs to identify symptoms earlier.
Symbol of Support: The yellow ribbon is the official symbol used throughout July to show solidarity with patients and survivors.
Understanding Rarity: Sarcomas make up only about 1% of adult cancer diagnoses but account for roughly 15-20% of childhood cancers

Survivor Recognition
2026-06-01 08:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00
Definition of a “Survivor”: The National Cancer Institute and various foundations define a survivor as anyone living with a history of cancer from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of their life.

June is recognized globally as
National Cancer Survivors Month, a dedicated time to honor the resilience of those who have been diagnosed with cancer. In 2026, this recognition culminates in National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, June 7.

Key Recognition Dates for 2026
National Cancer Survivors Month: Observed throughout the entire month of June.
National Cancer Survivors Day: Observed on June 7, 2026 (the first Sunday of June).
National Cancer Thriver Day: Typically celebrated on the second Sunday of June, which will be June 14, 2026

Melanoma, Brain & Skin Cancer Awareness
2026-05-01 08:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Brain Cancer Awareness Month(Also includes other related research and prevention months in some calendars.)

Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month is observed every May to educate the public about skin cancer prevention, early detection, risk factors (like UV exposure), and support for those affected, with organizations providing resources, promoting sun safety (sunscreen, protective clothing, shade), and encouraging skin checks for suspicious moles or lesions. Key messages focus on reducing preventable cases through sun protection and recognizing signs of skin cancer early to save lives

Head, Neck & Testicular Awareness
2026-04-01 00:00 - 2026-04-30 23:59
April — Head, Neck & Testicular Awareness
🗓️ April – Entire Month:

Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month(Closely associated with National Cancer Control activities.)

Digestive & Multiple Myeloma Awareness
2026-03-01 - 2026-03-31
March is a significant month for health observances, notably recognizing
Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (a major digestive health focus), Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, and National Kidney Month.

Myeloma Awareness
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow and is the second most common type of blood cancer. Awareness campaigns, often referred to as Myeloma Action Month, aim to shed light on its subtle symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis and research. The awareness color is burgundy.
Common symptoms are often remembered by the acronym CRAB:

C for high blood Calcium levels.
R for Renal (kidney) function impairment.
A for Anemia (low red blood cell count).
B for Bone pain or fractures.

Digestive Health Awareness
While a specific “Digestive Health Month” is observed in May by some organizations, March is dedicated to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S. and Europe, which is a key part of digestive health. This observance emphasizes the importance of screenings like colonoscopies, as early detection can significantly improve survival rates.
Key initiatives include:

Raising awareness of symptoms, which can include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
Promoting screenings, which can prevent the disease by detecting and removing precancerous growths.
“Dress in Blue Day,” an annual event where people wear blue to show support for the cause.

Kidney Health Awareness
March also serves as National Kidney Month and Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. The goal is to raise awareness about kidney diseases and cancer, their risk factors, and the importance of prevention and early detection. The awareness color for kidney cancer is orange

Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month
2026-02-04
February is Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about these rare but aggressive cancers, raising support for patients, and promoting early detection through increased awareness of symptoms and risk factors. Organizations like the AACR and Moffitt Cancer Center highlight this month to combat the general lack of knowledge about these diseases, encouraging sharing information, wearing green ribbons, and supporting research to improve outcomes.

National Cancer Prevention & Rare Cancers
2026-02-01 - 2026-02-28
National Cancer Prevention Month is an observance also observed in Nigeria with campaigns and free screenings coordinated by health authorities such as the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT). World Cancer Day is also commemorated on February 4th annually.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
2026-01-01 - 2026-01-31
Cervical cancer awareness is observed throughout January every year to promote screening, prevention (HPV vaccine), and education.

(Often includes CMOs like Cervical Cancer Prevention Week)
