World Cancer Day 2026: Activities around Leeds and support for those living with and beyond cancer

The glass-fronted Bexley Wing at St James’s has become a landmark of the Leeds skyline, representing one of the most advanced hubs for oncology in all of Europe.

On World Cancer Day, this site serves as a vital reminder of the progress being made right on our doorstep.

However, the data for our city shows that the challenge remains significant; approximately 4,100 people in Leeds receive a cancer diagnosis every single year.

While the city is currently a national leader for fast-track 28-day diagnosis, reaching over 76% of patients within that window, there is still a clear push to close the gap on late-stage detection.

In Yorkshire, the reality of the postcode lottery is something health leaders are working hard to dismantle.

Current figures show that around 21% of cancers in the region are still only discovered during an emergency hospital admission—often the result of missed screenings or symptoms being caught too late.

With over 800,000 screenings missed across the region in the last year alone, the city’s focus for 2026 has shifted heavily toward community-led checks and neighbourhood diagnosis funds that aim to find the disease before it becomes an emergency.

Beyond the clinical walls of the infirmary, Leeds has quietly built one of the most comprehensive networks of "living well" support in the country.

For many, the real struggle begins not at diagnosis, but in the months and years of living "with and beyond" the disease.

But just remember - you are not alone in the city, and tomorrow’s day of recognition demonstrates you’ll never be alone when it comes to help and support in Leeds concerning cancer.

What events are taking place in Leeds for World Cancer Day 2026?

The Poet Laureate’s "The Campaign"

In a major artistic collaboration, Yorkshire Cancer Research has commissioned Poet Laureate Simon Armitage to mark the charity’s centenary and World Cancer Day.

His new poem, “The Campaign,” was inspired by the voices of 17 people across Yorkshire - patients, researchers, and survivors. It likens the battle against cancer to a "slaying of the dragon" and will be released across the city tomorrow as a rallying cry for the region.

St James’s "United by Unique" Hub

Head to the Bexley Wing at St James’s Hospital for a marketplace drop-in event.

Non-clinical support services will be on hand to share information on holistic care, from "help at home" volunteers to financial guidance and exercise resources specifically for those navigating treatment.

The #UpsideDownChallenge

You may see local landmarks or social feeds "flipping" tomorrow.

The global #UpsideDownChallenge invites people to share a photo upside down to symbolise how a diagnosis turns a person's world around, aiming to turn individual stories into catalysts for policy change.

Where can I find support living with, or living with someone with cancer?

Leeds is home to some world-class support hubs that offer more than just medical treatment. If you or a loved one are "living with and beyond" a diagnosis, these are the key resources.

Maggie’s Leeds (St James’s Hospital)

Tucked away in a beautiful, tree-surrounded building designed by Heatherwick Studio, Maggie’s is a haven for anyone affected by cancer. There are no appointments or referrals needed—you can just walk in for a cup of tea, a chat with a specialist, or to join one of their "Cancer in the Workplace" sessions if you are navigating a return to your job.

The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre

Located on the St James’s site, this centre provides a comprehensive range of support services under one roof. They specialise in the "other" side of cancer care, offering everything from benefits and financial advice to complementary therapies and hair loss support.

The West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance

This is the best place to start if you feel "lost" in the system. They have recently launched a dedicated "Living With and Beyond Cancer" toolkit specifically for our region, designed to help patients manage long-term side effects and find community-based support groups in their own neighbourhoods.

Leeds Community Cancer Service

A vital partnership that brings Macmillan-trained professionals into your local GP practice or community hub. They focus on ensuring that care doesn't stop once you leave the hospital, providing a bridge back to "normal" life for patients across the city.

If you're feeling at a loose end and don't feel you can talk to anyone, there is help immediately available for you. You can contact Samaritans any time, day or night, by calling 116 123 for free from any phone, or by emailing [email protected] for a response within 24 hours.