NCCN Marks World Cancer Day with Enhanced Patient Resource Commitment

NCCN Commits to Improve Patient Resources on World Cancer Day

On February 4, 2026, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a coalition of the foremost cancer centers in the United States, made a significant commitment on World Cancer Day. This day, recognized globally to raise awareness about cancer and mobilize action against it, served as the perfect backdrop for NCCN's announcement regarding the enhancement of educational resources available to cancer patients and their caregivers.

In a move aimed at empowering patients, NCCN has vowed to update its in-depth patient information resources annually, accessible in both English and Spanish. This decision underscores the organization's commitment to keeping patients informed about their treatment options and the broader cancer care landscape. According to Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, CEO of NCCN, the updates intend to facilitate shared decision-making for those facing the complexities of cancer treatment.

"Every individual's journey with cancer is unique, and we believe in the value of providing factual, trustworthy information that can guide them towards optimal health outcomes," Dr. Denlinger stated. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients are designed to be in alignment with the expert-driven, evidence-based NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines, offering patients comprehensive yet understandable information on various cancer types and treatment protocols.

The dedication to accessibility and clarity is evident in these resources, which consist of over 70 distinct guidebooks addressing cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. Each guide is crafted in plain language, supplemented with visuals and suggested questions for patients to discuss with their healthcare teams, facilitating informed decision-making.

In the previous year, these NCCN guidelines were downloaded over 2.6 million times, utilized by more than 2.1 million individuals. Such statistics illustrate the importance and impact of these resources on patients’ lives. The NCCN anticipates that with its new annual update schedule, it will provide up-to-date information that reflects rapid advancements in the field of oncology.

“Knowledge is power,” remarked Patrick Delaney, Executive Director of the NCCN Foundation. “By equipping patients with the most current information, we aim to empower everyone affected by cancer. Whether they are dealing with their diagnoses or supporting loved ones, having access to reliable information is crucial.”

As part of their ongoing effort, NCCN plans to work closely with various stakeholders, including employers and community leaders, to ensure the dissemination of support and resources to those coping with cancer.

NCCN’s dedication to quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care is further underscored by its not-for-profit status and alliance of premier cancer centers. By prioritizing comprehensive guidelines and educational materials, they continue to set the standard in cancer management, supporting both medical professionals and patients.

The NCCN Guidelines for Patients® are available for free online download at NCCN.org/patients or through the NCCN app. The Foundation’s commitment also extends to funding young researchers in cancer to drive innovation in treatment.

World Cancer Day's theme for the second consecutive year,