Light Up the Globe: Honor Every Life Touched by Cancer
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has a long history of reducing barriers for cancer patients in the U.S., but cancer knows no borders. Our global mission spans 57 countries, focused on cancer prevention, reducing suffering, shaping global policy, and empowering local cancer organizations to increase visibility and awareness.
We are excited to continue partnering with Microsoft employees year-round to give cancer organizations around the world a platform to increase their visibility and generate cancer awareness. The ACS Relay For Life Program unites 35 countries from 6 continents with Global Relay For Life events to bring people together to honor those affected by cancer and light up the dark by displaying Luminaria bags that are decorated in remembrance of patients, survivors, and those we have lost.
We invite you to help light up the globe by dedicating a Luminaria bag to a loved one or a co-worker who has lost their battle to cancer, in honor of those who won and those who are still fighting the disease. Be sure to log your volunteer hours or have your donations matched by Microsoft.
Use this form to dedicate a Luminaria bag in honor of, in memory of, or in support of a loved one or someone you know who has been impacted by cancer. Upload a design to help light the path of hope for cancer survivors or thrivers currently undergoing treatment or to remember someone we have lost to cancer.
Please log your volunteer hours through Microsoft's GIVE program by searching for the American Cancer Society, Inc. and selecting the project Light Up the Globe: Honor Every Life Touched by Cancer.
Get Involved
Continue the momentum of Microsoft employees who have dedicated 2,725 Luminaria's in 27 participating countries. Through Microsoft's volunteer matching, $29,853 benefited the American Cancer Society and India-based employees matching supported the Indian Cancer Society, raising $24,989.
- Donate to the American Cancer Society and Microsoft will match your donations.
- Create a Luminaria bag and log your volunteer hours.
- Join a Relay For Life event: United States or Global
Our Global Work
The American Cancer Society's global work is focused on lower-income countries, where we work across the full cancer continuum, predominantly in national referral hospitals, often the only facilities where cancer is currently addressed. We seek measurable results in countries where Ministries of Health, hospitals and civil society partners can make the most significant impact. Areas of prioritization include controlling risk factors, infection-associated cancers, women's cancers, and pediatric/adolescent cancers.
Our flagship program, the Building Expertise, Advocacy, and Capacity for Oncology Navigation (BEACON) Initiative, strengthens health institutions and cancer organizations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through patient navigation—a proven model of patient-centered care. Drawing on our success with this model in the U.S., we are helping LMICs improve cancer outcomes and patient experiences.
Our global cancer preventative work is focused on preventing and treating cervical cancer. One woman dies of cervical cancer every two minutes resulting in over 340,000 preventable deaths annually and 9 out of 10 cervical cancer deaths globally occur on LMICs. For example, India has 1 in 5 cases of cervical cancer in the world but has less than a 5% screening rate. The HPV Vaccine and cervical cancer screening are both underutilized but effective tools for prevention.
Our Global Patient Support team works with health care facilities and organizations in LMICs to help cancer patients and their caregivers on their cancer journey by promoting patient-centered care through the implementation of patient navigation and cancer education for patients and caregivers. The goal is to remove barriers to care, reduce patient suffering, increase treatment adherence, and improve health outcomes. The team provides training, guidance, and mentorship to health care facilities and cancer-focused organizations to ensure that cancer patient care and support services are coordinated, comprehensive, and effective.
"When I learned that I had cancer, I was very scared. However, after meeting with Helen, one of the navigators, I learned a lot more about cancer and felt encouraged to seek treatment. Helen served as an advisor throughout my difficult journey through chemotherapy, as she helped me learn about the side effects of treatment and how I could manage them. Now, I'm almost finished with treatment and am deeply grateful for all that the navigation team has done to help me through this time."
The American Cancer Society has a long history of working to reduce barriers for cancer patients in the United States (US). However, the needs of cancer patients and their families in LMICs can be even greater than for patients in the US. These patients are often more vulnerable due to higher rates of poverty, health facilities and systems that are severely under-resourced (e.g., specialized staff, equipment, medicines, etc.), low levels of understanding cancer, and limited patient support services. All these factors contribute to poor health outcomes.
To learn more, please visit our global work website.
Recent Luminarias
In Support Of To all the Nursing
I feel very grateful to all the nursing staff who are taking care of patients. Taking care of critically ill patient is a very tough job and keeping their will is another thing you guys are helping with. Really appreciate that.
Shared from India 6 days ago
In Support Of Cancer Surviors
Be strong and we are all proud of you
Shared from India 1 week ago
In Support Of Cancer Survivors
Admiring all the fighters and survivors who is going through the challenging treatment
Shared from India 1 week ago
In Honor Of Cancer Warriors
Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. You may not be where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be. It can be easy to get caught up in how far you have to go. Don't forget to look back, and recognize how far you have come. Every day brings you one step closer.
Shared from India 1 week ago
In Support Of Everyone
Time will change, every moment you endure brings you closer to brighter days. Your courage is an inspiration to so many !
Shared from India 1 week ago
In Support Of Cancer Fighters
Dear Survivor, Your strength and resilience are truly inspiring. You’ve faced challenges with courage, and your journey is a powerful reminder of hope, determination, and the human spirit's capacity to overcome. As you move forward, know that your story brings light to others facing similar battles. Celebrate each moment and remember—you are a symbol of strength, resilience, and victory. With admiration and best wishes for your continued health and happiness.
Shared from India 1 week ago
In Support Of All care-givers
Thank you for your love and patience in supporting those that need you the most!
Shared from India 1 week ago