Cancer awareness
Cancer Awareness: because early detection saves lives
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Ukraine – a challenge made worse by war, disrupted healthcare access, and widespread misinformation. Early detection can change everything: it increases survival rates, reduces treatment costs, and gives people a real chance to recover.
Mission Kharkiv Against Cancer: early detection saves lives is our nationwide effort to empower people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to act early – and to break the silence surrounding cancer.
What we do
We focus on raising awareness of breast, gynecological, gastrointestinal, and other common types of cancer in Ukraine. Our team speaking face-to-face with people about:
- Common cancer symptoms and early warning signs.
- Risk factors, including genetic and lifestyle-related triggers.
- The importance of regular check-ups and self-examinations.
- Where and how to access medical help.
- The emotional and practical impact of a late diagnosis.
We meet people where they are – in their language, in their communities – and work to shift awareness from fear to understanding, and from silence to action.
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Fighting stigma, building trust
Cancer is still a taboo subject in many parts of Ukraine. People often delay seeking help out of shame, fear, or harmful myths – believing, for instance, that cancer is always fatal or contagious. We are working to change that.
Our awareness campaign is about more than just facts. It’s about breaking down stigma, encouraging open conversations, and helping people feel safe enough to ask questions, share concerns, and seek care early.
People were afraid to even say the word "cancer". But after our visit, they will know what to look for – and where to go.
How We Work
Mental health support in Ukraine is still surrounded by stigma. Too many We take a multi-pronged approach:
- Media campaigns (digital, radio, print) tailored for different regions.
- Educational content – flyers, videos, infographics in plain language.
- Outreach programs – face-to-face visits in villages, shelters, clinics.
- Community events with trusted local leaders, health workers, and survivors.
- Partnerships with influencers, public figures, and patient organizations to normalize conversation around cancer and prevention.
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Why It Matters
In Ukraine, one in three cancer patients is diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment becomes more difficult and costly. Yet when caught early, survival rates can reach over 80–90% for many common cancers, such as breast and cervical cancer.
We believe that knowledge is power – and that cancer awareness isn’t a luxury. It’s a basic right. That’s why we’re working to make reliable, clear, and compassionate cancer education available to everyone – not just in hospitals, but in homes, workplaces, and communities across Ukraine.
Want to get involved or bring our program to your community?
[Contact us] or learn more in the [Get Involved] section.
Together, we can replace fear with knowledge – and save lives through early action.
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Stay connected with us
Whether you’re interested in becoming a partner, have a question or need support, we’re here for you. Fill out the form below to get in touch
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