In 2020, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer after a series of wrong diagnoses. My personal journey with the disease has transformed me into a passionate advocate for cancer awareness, advocacy, and support. This experience has driven me to become deeply involved in both the cancer healthcare and advocacy communities, with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for others.

In 2022, I founded Nest Of Hope Advocacy and Support Community, a non-governmental organization dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection (screening), providing peer mentorship, emotional support, patient advocacy, and survivorship care.

Through this organization, I also work to reduce the stigma surrounding cancer, particularly in Nigeria, by amplifying lived experiences and encouraging others to embrace life beyond diagnosis. My advocacy emphasizes the importance of comprehensive care that integrates medical treatment with empathy, compassion, and spiritual support.

I actively participate in various initiatives, from public speaking engagements to building partnerships with organizations and medical institutions—all with the goal of advancing knowledge about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 41. Five years later, I am in the process of rebuilding my life. I have come to realize that, statistically, women of African descent are at a higher risk of dying from this cancer. According to me, they are often diagnosed at a later stage due to a lack of information and support. Having become a volunteer at Jules Bordet, a hospital specialized in cancer treatment, I founded the non-profit organization Baob Brussels to support patients — particularly young people, minorities, and entrepreneurs. My association aims to raise awareness and break taboos.

I am a lung cancer patient and advocate, as well as a skilled physiotherapist from India. I am currently studying at Oxford University in the UK, where my research focuses on the delivery of physical rehabilitation services through primary health care in India for people with disabilities.

My personal journey with lung cancer, especially as someone from a marginalised community, has helped me understand the differences within LMIC and has made me a passionate advocate for patients. I work to raise awareness, improve patient care, and support others facing similar challenges, particularly those from marginalised communities.

As a physiotherapist, I have a lot of experience providing care and rehabilitation to patients from rural areas, helping them improve their quality of life. My work in these areas has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by rural marginalised communities.

My dual perspective as both a healthcare professional and a patient gives me unique insights into the needs and experiences of those I advocate for.

From humble beginnings in a caravan traveling to 1,655 villages across Lebanon, Hany and Barbara Nassar’s journey began with a simple mission: to empower people with cancer, help them share their stories, and raise awareness about gaps in care. Today, that journey has grown into the Barbara Nassar Cancer Center, a home of hope where patients are treated with dignity, supported with compassion, and encouraged to live fully. The Nassar family’s dedication shows how perseverance, care, and courage can transform lives.

Einstein Rojas has dedicated much of his career to health advocacy, inspired by his father Emer Rojas’ battle with stage 4 laryngeal cancer. From his early work with the New Vois Association of the Philippines, he helped mobilize youth programs, design impactful campaigns, and represent patient voices in policy discussions at Congress and government agencies. Today, he continues this mission as a Board Member of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations and a Global Advisory Committee Member of the NCD Alliance, where he champions the rights of people living with non-communicable diseases.

In the summer of 2023 I was a 55 year old man, feeling healthy, living a very full and active life with no ailments or symptoms. Life was good! I was getting a regular PSA blood test because there was a history of prostate cancer in my family. Following scans and tests, I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in October 2023. I had surgery later that year but the cancer spread. I had a course of radiotherapy in the autumn of 2024 and am now on two years of hormone therapy. I won’t know if I’m clear of cancer for a few years yet. I continue to live with a huge amount of uncertainty together with side effects of long-term treatment.

As someone who advocates professionally for the power of telling stories, I chose to be open in sharing my own experiences. Over the last two years I’ve shared the story of my cancer journey in a number of ways: I put on a one man show at my local theatre, ‘Wake Up! Ten stories on being alive;’ I wrote an essay for the ‘i’ newspaper on the life lessons since diagnosis; I collaborated with the graphic artist Anthony Burrill on a limited edition print ’ to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK; a filmmaker has made a short documentary about me, ‘Walk with Open Eyes.’ 

I have always been somebody who’s paid attention to what really matters and what’s important in life (that was the subject of my 2021 book ‘365 Ways To Have a Good Day’). But the cancer diagnosis has turned up my sensibilities to what’s important. It’s given me heightened clarity about what matters, the way I live my day to day life and finding joy in the small everyday moments. Life is different now. And sometimes difficult. I try to navigate this challenging time with as much optimism and positivity as I can, knowing the difference that makes.

I am Yomna Sherif Omara, a general surgery specialist. My journey as a general surgeon began with an intentional avoidance of the oncology field. I was deeply aware of the cultural barriers in my country like many Arab countries that prevented women from seeking medical care to avoid consulting male physicians. While my colleagues and family including my father encouraged me to specialize in breast surgery to address this critical need, I initially resisted, fearing the emotional burden of treating cancer patients and the potential for professional frustration.

An opportunity for basic surgical training at Baheya Hospitals and Centers, an institution specializing mainly  in breast cancer, presented itself. I viewed it as an enhancement to my surgical skills, not as a career path.

This training, however, proved to be a transformative experience turning my world UPSIDE DOWN. Surgery was always something I enjoyed, but working with cancer patients changed everything for me. Seeing their courage and how they faced their challenges made me feel a deeper sense of purpose. I subsequently chose to subspecialize in oncoplastic breast surgery, driven by a desire to assist women who faced cultural barriers.

My journey extended beyond the operating theatre. I joined Baheya’s medical awareness team, actively engaging in public education campaigns to emphasize the importance of self-examination, timely screening and early diagnosis. Moreover, being currently the Patient Navigation Program manager, with an amazing team from medical and non-medical personnel together with the psychological support team, we help guide patients through their treatment journey, overcoming barriers to care and fostering hope.  

Natalia Theodoulidis is a Greek/ British artist currently studying at Central St Martins. She has a focus on analogue photography and printmaking alongside working with NGO Fotohane Darkroom as a photo trainer. 

I'm Anita, the founder of Space to Be You—a brand born out of my personal journey with cancer. At the tender age of 22, I received a devastating diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma stage IV—a serious and detrimental cancer that forever changed the trajectory of my life. This life-altering event came just a few months after the death of my father due to cancer, compounding the pain and leaving an indelible mark on my soul. In the face of such adversity, driven by an unwavering determination to carry on my father's fight and honor his legacy, I took a courageous leap to create Space to Be You—a brand that not only embodies my passion but also serves as a means of self-sufficiency. It became my creative sanctuary, a source of purpose, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Space to Be You is more than just a brand; it's a heartfelt mission that has become a beacon of hope for individuals facing similar challenges, just as it has been for me. Through my art pieces, stickers, and merchandise, I want to empower others to embrace their unique identities, offering hope and inspiration in the face of challenges. I aim to create a supportive community that uplifts and encourages self-expression, mirroring the unwavering support my father provided me during his time here. With Space to Be You, I've not only reclaimed my independence but also found solace in channeling my emotions into a purposeful endeavor. It allows me to make a positive impact while navigating the challenges of my own cancer treatment and honors the profound impact my father had on my life. Together, let's embark on this extraordinary mission where Space to Be You becomes a symbol of resilience, creativity, and self-sufficiency. Join us in creating a world where cancer doesn't hinder us from pursuing our dreams and where everyone has the space to embrace their true selves.

My name is Cherie Tulloch. I'm a child of the Caribbean and currently proudly serving in Antigua and Barbuda. I've been an obstetrician and Gynaecologist for almost 10 years and for the last 3 years I have been leading the national efforts in Antigua and Barbuda to eliminate Cervical Cancer.

I never thought I would be here in this role but God wanted me here. It has been a sobering privilege to walk this journey with women facing cancer and witness beautiful examples of courage and grace. As a gynaecologist I stand with every woman and every girl in creating a future where there is less cancer and more cures; more support and less stigma. A future where every woman fighting cancer never feels alone.

Cancer turned my life upside down on January 20, 2023! I was diagnosed with testicular cancer with metastasis to the lungs, and although my treatment was effective, at my first follow-up after finishing treatment, I discovered that had only been the first battle... Leading up to the diagnosis, I went through countless tests, filled with doubts and uncertainties — but time, as always, brings many answers. Some we never imagined could be so simple, and others only raise more questions! The message I want to leave with this post is that a diagnosis is not a sentence — it’s actually a (re)beginning, at least that’s what it was for me! Today I’m in the third phase of my treatment. I've undergone about 50 chemotherapy sessions, and on the upcoming 6th, I’ll be meeting again with Dr. Brigitte, who’s been with me since the very start, to evaluate my tests and hopefully put another period at the end of this chapter!

Five years ago, my world was turned upside down. I was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, and, well… that’s a bit of a day-ruiner. But here’s the thing… it actually turned my world the right way up. That diagnosis put me on the path I was meant to be on. It gave me purpose, direction, and most importantly… an excuse to run around in ridiculous outfits! Since my surgery, I’ve been on a mission to raise as much money as possible for cancer research. And right now, I’m attempting to break the world record for the most money ever raised for charity by running a marathon. And you know what? I’m loving every second of it. Because cancer tried to take everything from me - but instead, it gave me this. This community. This mission. This really chafed inner thigh. So yeah, cancer turned my world upside down… but in the best way possible!