In an Era Where Some Cancers are Curable, 'Life with Cancer' is Left Outside of Medical Care. A Cancer Specialist Establishes 'Turquoise Community Cancer Day' (April 25) Based on Challenges Seen in the Field.

Born on 4/25. The 'Turquoise Ribbon' is a symbol for supporting cancer patients with a smile, transcending the boundaries of medical care, family, community, and volunteers.

Due to advances in medicine, some cancers are changing into 'diseases you live with while treating.' However, the 'life' that comes after treatment cannot be said to be sufficiently supported by society.

Amidst this situation, Dr. Takuji Seo of the Ujina Family Medicine Clinic in Hiroshima City has established a new anniversary, 'Turquoise Community Cancer Day,' to communicate the importance of mutual support within the community to society.

This initiative has been registered with the Japan Anniversary Association and is scheduled to be released on the official

website at 7:30 AM on April 25, 2026.

On the same day, a lecture and an anniversary registration award ceremony will be held in Hiroshima City.

Cancer specialist Dr. Seo giving a lecture for citizens.

Reference Data

・Annual number of cancer cases: Approx. 1 million ・5-year survival rate: Approx. 60-70% ・Increase in people working while undergoing treatment ※Source: National Cancer Center, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, etc.

The New Problem for Cancer Patients is 'Life'

When diagnosed with cancer, many people first face 'treatment.' However, beyond that lies 'life.'

【Problems in Daily Life】

・ Working while dealing with fluctuating physical conditions

・ Causing worry to family members

・ Financial matters

The more one tries to 'live as usual,' the more difficulties they face.

These worries are by no means special.

Not only the person themselves, but also their family and those around them are affected.

The proposer of the anniversary, Taeko Sakai, was asked to refrain from taking a promotion exam when she told her employer that her father had cancer.

Cancer affects not only the person themselves but also the lives of their family and those around them. Nevertheless, the support and connections to continue living with peace of mind in the community are not sufficiently established, and the current situation is left to individual efforts.