United by Our Unique and Personal Connections to Cancer

This World Cancer Day, recognized on February 4 each year, we’re joining the Union of International Cancer Control (UICC) in highlighting how the cancer community is “United by Unique” - while every cancer journey is individual, it will take a united effort to create a world where people-centered care and treatment is available to every person living with cancer.

Despite significant advancements, millions of people globally receive a cancer diagnosis each year.ⁱ It’s not just a statistic – it’s our families, friends, and coworkers. That’s why we’re joining the global movement. We invited our colleagues from around the world to share stories of how cancer turned their lives upside down. These stories showcase resilience, courage and the human spirit, reminding us of the need to continue advancing oncology care for everyone.

Stories of Hope and Strength

Vasileia

Pfizer Digital, based in Europe

At 37 years old, Vasileia received a breast cancer diagnosis that turned her life upside down. With two daughters aged five and seven, even counting on the simple joy of reading them bedtime stories felt uncertain.

“After my diagnosis, I stopped reading to them—not because I needed time for myself, but because I thought I was preparing them to live life without me," said Vasileia, who is on the Pfizer Digital team. "Time passed, and I’m still here because of the incredible people who supported me and the treatments available today. If I could go back, I’d climb into bed, hug my daughters tightly, and read every story they wanted."

Cancer taught Vasileia to treasure every moment and live life with intention. It was also the “why” behind her decision to join Pfizer in 2021.

Kelly

Pfizer Retail Pharmacy, based in the U.S.

Kelly’s journey began with a persistent cough in 2022. Multiple tests revealed nothing, but Kelly advocated for herself and sought a CT scan. The results only took minutes but turned her life upside down: Kelly had stage 4 ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer.

“I started therapy and only eight months later I heard the news that everyone hopes to hear: I had no evidence of active disease,” reflected Kelly, who works in the Retail Pharmacy team. “It hasn’t been easy, but I have learned to seize the day, because anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.”

Guy

Pfizer Global Policy & Public Affairs, based in the Middle East

For Guy, the diagnosis of splenic lymphoma came with no warning signs. His experience taught him that while he couldn’t control the diagnosis, he could choose how to navigate it.

“How we deal with a challenge to our wellness is, to a large extent, a choice. You can’t control what happens to you, only how you react,” shared Guy, on Pfizer’s Global Policy & Public Affairs team. “My choice was to be thankful for the early detection. The time to assess and prepare is longer. The diagnosis is more accurate. The clinical outcomes are better.”

Now in remission, Guy emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system: “It takes a village, and you are not alone.”

Renewing our Work Against Cancer

At Pfizer, nothing is more urgent, or more personal, than our goal to outdo cancer. These stories demonstrate how cancer impacts each of us differently. They also unite us in a shared ambition: a future where people with cancer live better and longer lives. This vision shapes everything we do and keeps people living with cancer at the center of our work.

This commitment goes beyond accelerating the development of life-changing medicines. It extends to supporting patients throughout their entire journey—whether through programs like This Is Living With Cancer, which offers resources and support services to help individuals, and their loved ones navigate the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, or through tackling inequalities in care.

We are working to ensure that every person, no matter who they are or where they’re from, has access to the support they need. This means breaking down barriers, addressing systemic inequities, and meeting people where they are to provide solutions tailored to their unique circumstances.

As we recognize World Cancer Day on February 4, we reaffirm our mission to advance the science, the care and the support systems that empower people living with cancer to thrive. To join the global effort, visit WorldCancerDay.org and Let’s Outdo Cancer to learn more about how we’re working to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer that bring new hope to people everywhere.

ⁱJAMA Oncol. 2017 April 01; 3(4): 524–548. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2016.5688.