Light Up the Globe: Honor Every Life Touched by Cancer

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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.

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Light Up the Globe with Luminaria!
1,849 of 1000 Goal
1,849 dedicated in 2024
Create your own with this Canva template.
Use your Microsoft email if available. You will only receive a one-time confirmation.

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.

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."

39-year-old patient with breast cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital

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

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In Support Of Cancer patients

In your battle against cancer, know that you are never alone. Your strength, resilience, and determination inspire us all. Keep fighting, stay strong, and never lose hope. We stand with you on this journey. 💪💕 #CancerWarriors Sending love and support your way,

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Support Of Peace

Shared from United States of America 1 year ago

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In Support Of cancer survivors

Life is colorful. Take it with your stride, keep going!

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Support Of All Cancer Survivors

You are a beacon of strength and resilience. Your journey inspires countless hearts. Keep shining! 🌟

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Support Of kids

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Support Of the war torn people

Peace over war

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Support Of Fight against cancer

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Memory Of Lakshmi

You fought bravely. Hope you find peace.

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Memory Of Bashyakarlu

You are not physically present. You are always be in our lives.

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Support Of All the Brave Souls

Dear Cancer Fighters, You're incredibly strong, loved, and never alone. We admire your courage and stand with you. Lean on your support system, and remember each day is a step toward healing. You're defined by your spirit, not cancer. Keep fighting, stay positive, and never lose hope.

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Memory Of Bashyakarlu

Don't lose hope

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Honor Of Cancer Patients

You are the true warriors. Have courage and keep moving.

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Memory Of Irrfan Khan

Rest in Peace.

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Support Of Cancer Patients

You will overcome and you will be happy.

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Support Of All Cancer Survivors

Wish you strength and resilience in your fight!

Shared from India 1 year ago

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In Memory Of Baba

Dear Baba Stay happy wherever you are. Hope your journey forward has been a pleasing and satisfying one. Love you always.

Shared from India 1 year ago

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