World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is an international initiative uniting people around the world in an effort to raise awareness and take action. The 2025 theme — “United By Unique” — calls for individuals to understand and recognize the inequities in cancer care around the globe. At Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center together with RWJBarnabas Health, experts are always working toward improved health care quality, ensuring everyone has access to cancer care, and better outcomes for cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship.

The opening of the Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in spring of 2025—the state’s first freestanding cancer hospital—will strengthen the close collaboration between physicians and researchers, further advancing cutting-edge treatments and innovative clinical trials in one of the nation’s most ethnically and racially diverse states.
 

Highlights

Breast cancer awareness thumbnail of woman wearing pink ribbon

Am I Too Young for a Mammogram?

Breast cancer may not be the first concern for many young women, however, in recent years, research is showing that cancers are on the rise for younger Americans under 50. M. Michele Blackwood, MD, FACS, shares risk factors that may prompt younger women to consider getting screened earlier. 

Two women smiling at each other during sunset

The LGBTQ+ Community is Disproportionately Burdened by Cancer

Cancer health disparities are differences in cancer burden experienced by members of marginalized communities. As such, discrimination based on gender identity and/or sexual orientation contributes to cancer disparities today.

Woman standing with her arms stretched out in a field at sunset

Cancer Prevention and Screening is Crucial to Women’s Health

Now more than ever, we are reminded that health and wellness should always be a top priority. Ruth D. Stephenson, DO, FACOG, shares tips for women to live their healthiest lives.

Minority Cancer Awareness Ribbon

Empowering Minority Cancer Patients: Tips for Advocacy and Support

Cancer is a disease that can impact anyone, but it does not impact everyone equally. Mariam F. Eskander, MD, MPH, offers insight and tips for minority individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis and how we can all work together to mitigate cancer disparities. 

Diverse group of young people smiling at camera

Insights Into the Growing Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is on the rise in young adults. Incidences of colorectal cancer in young people (those between their mid-20s and late 50s) has more than doubled since the 1990s. Howard S. Hochster, MD, FACP, shares his thoughts on this trend.