World Cancer Day, observed every year on February 4th, is a global initiative organized by the Union of International Cancer Control (UICC). More than just a date, this day unites people across the world to reduce the global cancer burden by raising awareness about cancer, promoting its prevention, and mobilising global efforts to tackle this growing challenge. 

Cancer is not just a medical diagnosis; it marks the beginning of a story unique to every person experiencing it. It remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is a key focus within the World Health Organization’s noncommunicable disease agenda, aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The theme for World Cancer Day 2025–2027, United by Unique, emphasizes a people‑centered approach to cancer care - one that integrates each person's unique needs with compassion and empathy to achieve the best health outcomes. It highlights the importance of offering greater compassion and support to patients and their loved ones. 

In this blog, we spotlight recent publications from the BMC Series journals, including BMC Infectious Diseases, BMC Urology,  BMC Cancer and BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. Together, these studies illustrate how cancer care spans a continuum - from vulnerability during treatment, to innovation in diagnosis, to daily lived experiences, and finally to life after cancer. 

BMC Infectious Diseases – Antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens isolated from cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis 

Cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can weaken the immune system, leaving patients more susceptible to infections. Frequent hospital visits, invasive medical procedures, and prolonged exposure to antibiotics further increase this risk. Amid these concerns, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a serious and growing challenge in cancer care. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Infectious Diseases examined the global prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens isolated from cancer patients. 

The study revealed high resistance rates across multiple pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. Particularly concerning was the observed resistance to last-resort antibiotics such as polymyxins, signaling limited treatment options for already vulnerable patients. 

The study highlights how immunosuppression, prolonged antibiotic use, invasive devices, and intensive therapies collectively contribute to the development and spread of resistant infections in cancer settings. These findings highlight the importance of strong infection prevention strategies, careful antibiotic stewardship, and health-system preparedness as essential components of safe and effective cancer care. 

BMC Urology – LINC00332 as a potential diagnostic marker for the low-grade tumors in renal cell carcinoma patients 

One way to reduce treatment-related complications and vulnerability is through earlier and more precise diagnosis, which can enable timely intervention and potentially less intensive therapy. Research published in BMC Urology explores this by investigating potential diagnostic markers that may support early diagnosis and better risk stratification in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). 

In this study, researchers analysed the expression of long non-coding RNA LINC00332 in RCC patients who had undergone nephrectomy. Lower expression levels were observed in high-grade (III/IV) tumors compared with low-grade (I/II) tumors, particularly among male patients under 60 years of age. Interestingly, increased levels of LINC00332 were observed with larger tumor size on average.

These findings suggest that LINC00332 may hold promise as a potential non-invasive diagnostic marker for low-grade RCC in younger patients, following further validation in serum samples. Diagnostic innovation such as this may support timely diagnosis, enable tailored treatment pathways, reduce unnecessary exposure to aggressive therapies, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. 

BMC Cancer – Nutritional impact symptoms and dietary changes among women in a cancer support network: a qualitative analysis

Even with timely diagnosis and effective treatment, living with cancer often brings significant day-to-day challenges. A qualitative study published in BMC Cancer shifts the focus to nutrition and lived experience during treatment, exploring how women with cancer navigate dietary changes and symptom burden.  

In this study, patients with common cancers, including breast cancer, multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer, were interviewed. Analysis revealed three key themes: Nutrition Impact Symptoms (NIS), Dietary Changes, and Lack of Information. Participants described symptoms such as altered taste, nausea, fatigue, and appetite loss, along with the emotional impact of these challenges which often made eating difficult and often led to inadequate nutritional intake. A recurring concern was the lack of clear, practical nutritional guidance from healthcare providers. 

The study highlights the importance of patient-centered supportive care, particularly nutritional support that is culturally appropriate and responsive to individual needs. Integrating nutritional guidance into routine oncology care has the potential to improve treatment tolerance, physical strength, and overall wellbeing, reinforcing the need to address daily lived experiences alongside clinical outcomes. 

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth – Outcomes of in vitro fertilization for women with thyroid cancer: a case report  

As cancer survival continues to improve, attention is being given to life beyond treatment. A case report published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth examines fertility outcomes in a woman who had bilateral salpingectomy and wanted to conceive via in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

During the pre-IVF examination, she was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma and was recommended to have surgery. However, she opted to proceed with frozen embryo transfer prior to surgery and later delivered a healthy baby. The report suggests that pregnancy did not have a negative impact on the prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer in this case. 

While based on a single case and requiring further investigation, the study highlights the complex medical and emotional decisions faced by cancer survivors who wish to plan families. It underscores the need for coordinated care between oncology, reproductive medicine, and obstetric teams to support informed, patient-centred decision-making.

Reflections and the road ahead 

On World Cancer Day, these studies published in BMC Series journals remind us that cancer care is an ongoing journey. From managing infection risks during treatment, to improving early diagnosis, supporting everyday wellbeing, and addressing long-term survivorship goals, progress against cancer requires a holistic, patient-centered approach.

Call for papers!

Advanced childhood cancer treatment and management at BMC Pediatrics.  The submission deadline is 30 June 2026.