WBA marks World Cancer Day

February 4 marks World Cancer Day, a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). 

The goal of World Cancer Day is to work towards a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are avoided and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equal for all. WBA is proud to be part of this positive movement that encourages everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice. 

As part of our company’s CSR strategy, WBA is committed to engaging with local communities to improve societal health and wellbeing. This is especially true in the work we do with our strategic cancer partners across the globe. 

Our cancer charity partners include Susan G. Komen and The Lymphoma and Leukaemia Society (LLS) in the U.S. to which Walgreens has pledged $25 million; Macmillan Cancer Support and the Irish Cancer Society with which Boots UK and ROI are partners; the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC); and Fundación Alma in Mexico. 

As well as raising money for partner charities, our stores, pharmacies and colleagues across the globe provide support for cancer patients through every step of their journey. Walgreens currently has 75 LLS-certified blood cancer pharmacies and 3,000 Feel More Like You stores. Boots UK has more than 2,000 Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists and 1,100 Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisers. 

Together, these trusted healthcare and wellbeing professionals deliver tens of thousands of conversations and consultations every year for people living with cancer. 

To celebrate World Cancer Day and to raise awareness, we invite you to learn about some of the ways we are making a difference, through the stories listed below.

The power behind the pin badge: Morag Punton, Head of CSR at Boots UK, reflects on the past, present and future of the company’s innovative 12-year partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.

The People of WBA Podcast with Kelly Bridges: An unexpected year brought unexpected challenges for Kelly Bridges – and gave her a deeper appreciation for WBA’s commitment to cancer.

Putting the mission in remission: Thanks to Walgreens’ close relationship with LLS and Light The Night, this blood cancer survivor has helped send countless others down a path of healing – herself included.

No two battles are alike: By supporting the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer in its advanced research and tumor analysis, WBA helps stare down the complexity of cancer.

Turning kilometres into kroner: Thousands of WBA colleagues in six countries, including Norway, are active – and we mean active – as they raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.

A human approach to cancer support: Cancer tries to steal a person’s sense of self. We’re fighting back by arming cancer patients with tools they need to look and feel their best.