World Cancer Day 2025- Cricketers who are working for Cancer initiatives

<p>Every year on February 4, <strong>World Cancer Day</strong> is celebrated to bring together the global community in the fight against cancer. Led by the <strong>Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)</strong>, this initiative is to reduce cancer-related illness and death by promoting awareness, early detection, and treatment. Established in 2000, at the World Cancer Summit in Paris, the day also specifies the signing of the Charter of Paris against Cancer, specifying research, prevention, and patient care.</p>
<p>Cricketers have played a crucial role in health initiatives, using their platforms to spread awareness. Sachin Tendulkar has worked with UNICEF’s “Team Swachh Bharat” campaign to promote hygiene, while Yuvraj Singh’s “YouWeCan” foundation provides healthcare support.</p>
<hr>
<h3>Here are the five cricketers who are working for Cancer initiatives:</h3>
<h3>5. Imran Khan</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1738661661300_Imran-khan-.webp" alt="Imran Khan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Imran Khan (Source: Twitter/X)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Pakistan’s former PM and World Cup-winning Skipper,&nbsp;<strong>Imran Khan</strong> played a significant role through his philanthropy work, particularly in cancer treatment. His mother’s battle with cancer led him to establish the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH), the country’s first specialized cancer hospital, in Lahore in 1994.</p>
<p>Built entirely through donations, SKMCH became a place that provided free treatment to underprivileged patients. Recognizing the growing need for cancer care, Khan spearheaded the opening of a second hospital in Peshawar, inaugurated alongside a young cancer patient, Fakhir Afridi. His third SKMCH hospital is under construction in Karachi.</p>
<p>His fundraising efforts gained momentum after Pakistan’s 1992 Cricket World Cup win, with millions donated by well-wishers. Over the years, SKMCH has treated thousands of cancer patients, regardless of their financial background.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>4. Andrew Strauss</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Andrew-Strauss-and-Ruth.jpg" alt="Andrew Strauss and Ruth" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Andrew Strauss and Ruth Strauss. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sir <strong>Andrew Strauss</strong>, the former England Captain, turned personal tragedy into a mission to help others after losing his wife, Ruth Strauss, to non-smoking lung cancer in 2018. In her memory, he founded the Ruth Strauss Foundation (RSF) to support families facing similar challenges and to fund crucial research into rare forms of lung cancer.</p>
<p>Ruth was diagnosed with ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer in December 2017. Despite undergoing treatment, she passed away on December 29, 2018, at the age of 46. During her illness, Andrew and Ruth received counselling, which played a crucial role in preparing them and their sons, Sam and Luca, for the emotional toll of her condition. This experience inspired them to ensure other families could access similar support.</p>
<p>The RSF focuses on raising awareness, funding research, and providing emotional and psychological help for families dealing with terminal illnesses. One of its key objectives is to help parents fight through difficult conversations with their children about death. To generate funds, the foundation organizes events, such as a charity golf day in partnership with the Lord’s Taverners.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>3. Glenn McGrath</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1735789993480_Glenn-McGrath-and-Australian-Team.jpeg" alt="Glenn McGrath and Australian Team" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Glenn McGrath and Australian Team. (Photo Source: Cricket Australia)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Australian bowling legend <strong>Glenn McGrath</strong>, along with his late wife Jane, established the McGrath Foundation to support people battling breast cancer. Jane was diagnosed with the disease in 1997 and sadly passed away in 2008. Her battle with cancer, and the support of a breast care nurse, inspired the couple to ensure that every Australian family affected by breast cancer had access to similar care.</p>
<p>The McGrath Foundation focuses on three key areas, raising awareness, particularly among young women across Australia. They also provide education and emotional support for cancer patients and their families. Since its beginning, the foundation has placed over 110 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, helping more than 150,000 families across Australia. The nurses provide free medical and emotional support to patients with any type of cancer.</p>
<p>McGrath also introduced the Pink Test, a cricket match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where players wear pink jerseys to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. This initiative has become a powerful symbol of hope and unity.</p>
<h5><strong>Also Read</strong><span>-<span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/jasprit-bumrahs-charity-initiatives-whos-benefitting-4337" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah's charity initiatives: Who's benefitting?</a></h5>
<p></p>
<h3>2. Sachin Tendulkar</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1738666520637_Sachin-Tendulkar.webp" alt="Sachin Tendulkar" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Sachin Tendulkar (Source: Unicef)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Iconic former India legend,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/sachin-tendulkar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sachin Tendulkar</strong></a>, has been a strong advocate for cancer care, supporting multiple initiatives to aid patients, particularly children. His contributions include partnerships with hospitals and foundations, as well as support for breast cancer awareness programs. Through the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF), he has financial assistance for cancer treatment, medical equipment, and surgical support for underprivileged children. STF has also collaborated with hospitals like SRCC Children’s Hospital to help needy patients.</p>
<p>Tendulkar’s partnership with the Aster DM Foundation has made a significant impact. Each year, this initiative funds the treatment of 50 young patients under 18, covering cardiac surgeries and cancer treatments at Aster’s super-speciality hospitals in Kochi, Calicut, and Bengaluru. Tendulkar has come in support of former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath's breast cancer awareness by supporting the McGrath Foundation’s Pink Test.</p>
<p>Furthermore, Tendulkar organized an INR 1.35 crore corpus fund, benefiting over 300 children battling cancer. He was also appointed as the first UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia in 2013, and since then been working hard to improve the lives of children in South Asia.</p>
<h5><strong>Also Check</strong><span>-<span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/virat-kohlis-charity-initiatives-whos-benefitting/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli's charity initiatives: Who's benefitting?</a></h5>
<p></p>
<h3>1. Yuvraj Singh</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1738662622813_Yuvraj-Singh-(2).jpeg" alt="Yuvraj Singh" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Yuvraj Singh (Source: Twitter/Youwecan )</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Former legendary Indian all-rounder,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/yuvraj-singh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yuvraj Singh</strong></a> who inspired many with his cricketing achievements was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, mediastinal seminoma, in 2011. Despite experiencing symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, and spitting blood during India’s victorious 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, he fought through and played a crucial role in the team’s success and won the Player of the tournament. Following his diagnosis, Singh underwent chemotherapy in the US, before getting discharged in March 2012. As a result, the prolific all rounder made an inspirational comeback to cricket later that year.</p>
<p>Inspired by his battle, Yuvraj founded the <strong>YouWeCan Foundation</strong> in 2012 with the support of his mother, <strong>Shabnam Singh</strong>. The non-profit organization focuses on cancer awareness, early detection, patient support, and survivor empowerment. One of its key missions is providing financial aid to underprivileged children battling cancer, ensuring they receive quality treatment at government and charitable hospitals.</p>
<p>The foundation also runs two special-purpose funds, a Cancer Treatment Fund covering up to INR 2,00,000 per patient and a Bridge Fund offering interim financial relief of INR 50,000 for early-stage treatment. Through YouWeCan, Yuvraj continues to inspire and support several cancer patients.</p>
<h5 class="style_title__Ih5LE">Also Check- <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/yuvraj-singhs-charity-initiatives-whos-benefitting-8788/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yuvraj Singh's charity initiatives: Who's benefitting?</a></h5>

<p>Every year on February 4, <strong>World Cancer Day</strong> is celebrated to bring together the global community in the fight against cancer. Led by the <strong>Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)</strong>, this initiative is to reduce cancer-related illness and death by promoting awareness, early detection, and treatment. Established in 2000, at the World Cancer Summit in Paris, the day also specifies the signing of the Charter of Paris against Cancer, specifying research, prevention, and patient care.</p>
<p>Cricketers have played a crucial role in health initiatives, using their platforms to spread awareness. Sachin Tendulkar has worked with UNICEF’s “Team Swachh Bharat” campaign to promote hygiene, while Yuvraj Singh’s “YouWeCan” foundation provides healthcare support.</p>
<hr>
<h3>Here are the five cricketers who are working for Cancer initiatives:</h3>
<h3>5. Imran Khan</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1738661661300_Imran-khan-.webp" alt="Imran Khan" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Imran Khan (Source: Twitter/X)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Pakistan’s former PM and World Cup-winning Skipper,&nbsp;<strong>Imran Khan</strong> played a significant role through his philanthropy work, particularly in cancer treatment. His mother’s battle with cancer led him to establish the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH), the country’s first specialized cancer hospital, in Lahore in 1994.</p>
<p>Built entirely through donations, SKMCH became a place that provided free treatment to underprivileged patients. Recognizing the growing need for cancer care, Khan spearheaded the opening of a second hospital in Peshawar, inaugurated alongside a young cancer patient, Fakhir Afridi. His third SKMCH hospital is under construction in Karachi.</p>
<p>His fundraising efforts gained momentum after Pakistan’s 1992 Cricket World Cup win, with millions donated by well-wishers. Over the years, SKMCH has treated thousands of cancer patients, regardless of their financial background.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>4. Andrew Strauss</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Andrew-Strauss-and-Ruth.jpg" alt="Andrew Strauss and Ruth" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Andrew Strauss and Ruth Strauss. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sir <strong>Andrew Strauss</strong>, the former England Captain, turned personal tragedy into a mission to help others after losing his wife, Ruth Strauss, to non-smoking lung cancer in 2018. In her memory, he founded the Ruth Strauss Foundation (RSF) to support families facing similar challenges and to fund crucial research into rare forms of lung cancer.</p>
<p>Ruth was diagnosed with ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer in December 2017. Despite undergoing treatment, she passed away on December 29, 2018, at the age of 46. During her illness, Andrew and Ruth received counselling, which played a crucial role in preparing them and their sons, Sam and Luca, for the emotional toll of her condition. This experience inspired them to ensure other families could access similar support.</p>
<p>The RSF focuses on raising awareness, funding research, and providing emotional and psychological help for families dealing with terminal illnesses. One of its key objectives is to help parents fight through difficult conversations with their children about death. To generate funds, the foundation organizes events, such as a charity golf day in partnership with the Lord’s Taverners.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>3. Glenn McGrath</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1735789993480_Glenn-McGrath-and-Australian-Team.jpeg" alt="Glenn McGrath and Australian Team" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Glenn McGrath and Australian Team. (Photo Source: Cricket Australia)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Australian bowling legend <strong>Glenn McGrath</strong>, along with his late wife Jane, established the McGrath Foundation to support people battling breast cancer. Jane was diagnosed with the disease in 1997 and sadly passed away in 2008. Her battle with cancer, and the support of a breast care nurse, inspired the couple to ensure that every Australian family affected by breast cancer had access to similar care.</p>
<p>The McGrath Foundation focuses on three key areas, raising awareness, particularly among young women across Australia. They also provide education and emotional support for cancer patients and their families. Since its beginning, the foundation has placed over 110 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, helping more than 150,000 families across Australia. The nurses provide free medical and emotional support to patients with any type of cancer.</p>
<p>McGrath also introduced the Pink Test, a cricket match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where players wear pink jerseys to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. This initiative has become a powerful symbol of hope and unity.</p>
<h5><strong>Also Read</strong><span>-<span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/jasprit-bumrahs-charity-initiatives-whos-benefitting-4337" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah's charity initiatives: Who's benefitting?</a></h5>
<p></p>
<h3>2. Sachin Tendulkar</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1738666520637_Sachin-Tendulkar.webp" alt="Sachin Tendulkar" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Sachin Tendulkar (Source: Unicef)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Iconic former India legend,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/sachin-tendulkar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sachin Tendulkar</strong></a>, has been a strong advocate for cancer care, supporting multiple initiatives to aid patients, particularly children. His contributions include partnerships with hospitals and foundations, as well as support for breast cancer awareness programs. Through the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF), he has financial assistance for cancer treatment, medical equipment, and surgical support for underprivileged children. STF has also collaborated with hospitals like SRCC Children’s Hospital to help needy patients.</p>
<p>Tendulkar’s partnership with the Aster DM Foundation has made a significant impact. Each year, this initiative funds the treatment of 50 young patients under 18, covering cardiac surgeries and cancer treatments at Aster’s super-speciality hospitals in Kochi, Calicut, and Bengaluru. Tendulkar has come in support of former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath's breast cancer awareness by supporting the McGrath Foundation’s Pink Test.</p>
<p>Furthermore, Tendulkar organized an INR 1.35 crore corpus fund, benefiting over 300 children battling cancer. He was also appointed as the first UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia in 2013, and since then been working hard to improve the lives of children in South Asia.</p>
<h5><strong>Also Check</strong><span>-<span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/virat-kohlis-charity-initiatives-whos-benefitting/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli's charity initiatives: Who's benefitting?</a></h5>
<p></p>
<h3>1. Yuvraj Singh</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1738662622813_Yuvraj-Singh-(2).jpeg" alt="Yuvraj Singh" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Yuvraj Singh (Source: Twitter/Youwecan )</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Former legendary Indian all-rounder,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/yuvraj-singh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yuvraj Singh</strong></a> who inspired many with his cricketing achievements was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, mediastinal seminoma, in 2011. Despite experiencing symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, and spitting blood during India’s victorious 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, he fought through and played a crucial role in the team’s success and won the Player of the tournament. Following his diagnosis, Singh underwent chemotherapy in the US, before getting discharged in March 2012. As a result, the prolific all rounder made an inspirational comeback to cricket later that year.</p>
<p>Inspired by his battle, Yuvraj founded the <strong>YouWeCan Foundation</strong> in 2012 with the support of his mother, <strong>Shabnam Singh</strong>. The non-profit organization focuses on cancer awareness, early detection, patient support, and survivor empowerment. One of its key missions is providing financial aid to underprivileged children battling cancer, ensuring they receive quality treatment at government and charitable hospitals.</p>
<p>The foundation also runs two special-purpose funds, a Cancer Treatment Fund covering up to INR 2,00,000 per patient and a Bridge Fund offering interim financial relief of INR 50,000 for early-stage treatment. Through YouWeCan, Yuvraj continues to inspire and support several cancer patients.</p>
<h5 class="style_title__Ih5LE">Also Check- <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/yuvraj-singhs-charity-initiatives-whos-benefitting-8788/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yuvraj Singh's charity initiatives: Who's benefitting?</a></h5>

Every year on February 4, World Cancer Day is celebrated to bring together the global community in the fight against cancer. Led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), this initiative i

World Cancer Day: Cricketers working for Cancer initiatives

World Cancer Day is observed on 4 February of every year.

World Cancer Day 2025: Cricketers who are working for Cancer initiatives

Cricketers supported cancer initiatives: Here is a list of five cricketers who have been working on cancer initiatives, raising awareness, and making an impact in the fight against cancer, only on CricTracker.com.

World Cancer Day 2025: Cricketers who are working for Cancer initiatives

World Cancer Day is observed on 4 February of every year.

3. Glenn McGrath

Also Read- Jasprit Bumrah's charity initiatives: Who's benefitting?