World Oral Health Day (March 20)
World Oral Health Day (March 20): Oral health issues can intersect with the prevention and detection of cancers in the mouth and throat. https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/campaign-theme-2025
Rare Disorders Month
March is Rare Disorders Month
Every year on Rare Disease Day (the last day of February) we kick off a month-long campaign to raise awareness of rare disorders and to celebrate our rare community in Aotearoa. We do this by calling on Aotearoa to 'Glow up and Show up for Rare' to show support for the 300,000 Kiwis living with a rare disorder.
From buildings being lit up on Rare Disease Day, to schools, kura and workplaces having 'glow up' days during March, to individuals showing their support through social media - there are so many ways to support the rare community.https://raredisorders.org.nz/events/
International HPV Awareness Day
International HPV Awareness Day
March 4th is International HPV Awareness Day. Inaugurated by the International Papillomavirus Society in 2018. The day has become the focal point of the annual campaign for many organizations seeking to increase worldwide awareness and education about HPV and the prevention of HPV related cancer.
Public awareness about HPV and related cancer risk is universally low
Almost half a million people per year die from HPV - many of those deaths can be prevented
Awareness, education and reducing the stigma of HPV are important first steps in mobilising action to stop HPV
While March 4th highlights the importance of HPV on the global health calendar, our campaign endeavors to keep the conversation about HPV ongoing throughout the year.
Mouth Cancer Action Month
Mouth Cancer Action Month – November 2024
This November, the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust is proud to join the global movement for Mouth Cancer Action Month. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we are raising awareness about the importance of early detection of mouth cancer, particularly among general practitioners and dentists. Mouth cancer is often overlooked, yet early signs can be spotted during routine dental or medical exams.
We encourage healthcare professionals to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of head and neck cancer, including persistent sores, unexplained lumps, red or white patches in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Early diagnosis is crucial and can significantly improve outcomes for patients.
By engaging with dentists and general practitioners, we aim to promote regular screenings and empower patients to seek advice if they notice any unusual symptoms. During this month, we will be sharing educational materials and resources to support healthcare providers in recognising and diagnosing mouth cancer at the earliest stages.
Help us spread the word this November and ensure that more people in New Zealand have access to early diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against mouth cancer.
World Head and Neck Cancer Day
World Head and Neck Cancer Day is an international event to raise awareness of head and neck cancer, and to promote actions to reduce head and neck cancer in the community.
Cancer Survivors Day 4th June 2024
National Cancer Survivors Day® is an annual, treasured Celebration of Life that is held in hundreds of communities nationwide, and around the world, on the first Sunday in June. It is a CELEBRATION for those who have survived, an INSPIRATION for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of SUPPORT for families, and an OUTREACH to the community. On National Cancer Survivors Day®, people around the world will unite to recognize cancer survivors, raise awareness of the ongoing challenges cancer survivors face, and – most importantly – celebrate life.
HPV Awareness Day 4 March 2024
The HPV Awareness Day aims to raise awareness about the availability of prevention tools, to promote education about HPV, and encourage governments and individuals across the world to take action against HPV to save hundreds of thousands of women and men that can benefit from the HPV vaccine and/or screening for the early detection of cancer and treatment.
World Cancer Day 4th February 2024
World Cancer Day held every 4 February is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). By raising worldwide awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, collective and government action, we are all working together to reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all - no matter who you are or where you live.
Created in 2000, World Cancer Day has grown into a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice to face one of our greatest challenges in history.
Each year, hundreds of activities and events take place around the world, gathering communities, organisations and individuals in schools, businesses, hospitals, marketplaces, parks, community halls, places of worship - in the streets and online - acting as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer.