The start of a new year is the perfect time to refocus on what really matters — our health, wellbeing, and how we can take small steps to prevent illness.

Awareness days are a great way to shine a spotlight on important causes. They bring people together, open up conversations that might otherwise be overlooked, and give a voice to those living with health challenges. For patients, families, and the organisations working tirelessly behind the scenes, these days are a powerful reminder that no one is in this alone.

So, what’s coming up in 2025?

JANUARY

World Lewy Body Day, observed on January 28, raises awareness about Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological disorder that affects cognitive function, movement, and behaviour. The day aims to increase understanding of the disease, support those affected, and highlight the need for improved research and resources to address its challenges. It is an opportunity to honour individuals living with Lewy body dementia and their caregivers.

Related: LISTEN TO OUR LIVING WITH LEWY PODCAST

Dry January: Dry January is a campaign organised by Alcohol Change UK, encouraging people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. It aims to raise awareness of the health benefits of reducing alcohol consumption and to promote a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (Third week of January): Organised by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Cervical Cancer Prevention Week aims to raise awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of cervical screening for early detection and prevention. The campaign highlights the symptoms of cervical cancer and encourages people to attend cervical screening appointments.

Red January: This mental health initiative encourages people to engage in physical activity every day in January. It raises awareness about the connection between exercise and improved mental wellbeing.

Blue Monday (Third Monday of January): While not strictly a health awareness day, Blue Monday is often associated with mental health awareness due to its designation as the ‘most depressing day of the year’. Organisations and individuals often use this day to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote self-care and support.

Veganuary: A global initiative supported in the UK, Veganuary inspires people to adopt a vegan lifestyle throughout January. It highlights the benefits of plant-based diets for health, the environment, and animal welfare.

FEBRUARY

Time to Talk Day (First Thursday of February): Time to Talk Day is organised by Time to Change, a campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination. It encourages conversations about mental health to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those struggling with mental health issues.

World Cancer Day (February 4th): World Cancer Day is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise awareness of cancer, promote prevention, early detection, and treatment, and advocate for improved access to cancer care worldwide.

Heart Month (February): February is often recognised as Heart Month in the UK, focusing on raising awareness of heart health and cardiovascular diseases. Organisations like the British Heart Foundation organise campaigns and events to promote heart-healthy lifestyles, raise funds for research, and provide support for those affected by heart conditions.

MARCH

The month of March is dedicated to quite a few health conditions and awareness campaigns.

Endometriosis Awareness Month shines a spotlight on a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb, causing pain, infertility, and other symptoms. We took a closer look at endometriosis in our International Women’s Day programme — watch it here.

Brain Tumour Awareness Month highlights the impact of brain tumours on individuals and their families. Brain tumours can affect people of all ages, and early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Throughout the month of March, brain health charities and organisations seek to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of brain tumours, drive funding and research into better treatments, and provide support to those affected by the disease.

March is National Bed Month: Founded by The National Sleep Council, the initiative aims to promote the benefits of good sleep.

National Bed Month — organised by the National Bed Federation in the UK. This campaign aims to highlight the importance of getting a good night’s sleep for overall health and wellbeing.  

March Awareness Days

  • Second Thursday in March: World Kidney Day
  • March 20: World Oral Health Day 
  • March 21: World Down Syndrome Day

APRIL

The month of April is also dedicated to a number of health conditions, with a big focus on bowel cancer.

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is observed to raise awareness about bowel cancer or colorectal cancer as also known. It’s one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, and efforts are made throughout the month to educate on symptoms, encourage early detection through screening programs, and promote healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Read our article: Shifting the stigma: Why we need more conversations on bowel cancer

Stress Awareness Month — Stress is a natural response to challenges or pressures in life, but prolonged or excessive stress can have adverse effects on physical and mental health, contributing to a range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. During Stress Awareness Month, organisations like the Mental Health Foundation and Mind conduct campaigns to educate the public about stress, its impact on health and wellbeing, and strategies for managing stress effectively.

April Awareness Days

  • April 2: World Autism Awareness Day
  • April 7: World Health Day
  • April 10-16: Parkinson’s Awareness Week

MAY

Celiac Awareness Month, observed throughout May in the UK, is dedicated to increasing understanding of celiac disease and the impact it has on those living with the condition. The month-long campaign highlights the importance of early diagnosis, promotes the benefits of a gluten-free diet, and raises awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with celiac disease.

  • Second week of May: Mental Health Awareness Week 
  • May 8: World Ovarian Cancer Day
  • May 10: World Lupus Day
  • May 19-25, 2025: Dementia Action Week
  • Third week of May: National Epilepsy Week
  • Last week of May: Deaf Awareness Week
  • May 31st: World No Tobacco Day

JUNE

June 9-15, 2025 marks Carers Week, an annual campaign lead by Carers UK, dedicated to shining a light on the invaluable role of unpaid carers across the UK. It raises awareness of the challenges they face, celebrates their vital contributions to families and communities, and encourages those who might not realise they’re carers to recognise their role and seek support.

  • June 16- 20: National Blood Week
  • Second week of June: Men’s Health Week
  • Second week of June: Diabetes Week

JULY

  • July 28th: World Hepatitis Day
  • July 3rd – July 9th: Sarcoma Awareness Week

AUGUST

  • August 19th – 25th: National Eye Health Week (UK)

SEPTEMBER

  • September 21st: World Alzheimer’s Day
  • September 29th: World Heart Day
  • Last Wednesday in September: National Fitness Day

OCTOBER

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as well as the month of ‘Stoptober‘. Stoptober is a public health campaign that was launched by Public Health England in 2012 to encourage people to quit smoking for the entire month of October. The campaign still attracts thousands of participants each year.

It’s also National Cholesterol Month in the UK, which is organised by Heart UK, the country’s leading cholesterol charity, dedicated to raising awareness about cholesterol-related health issues and promoting cardiovascular health.

  • October 10th: World Mental Health Day

NOVEMBER

One of the most successful health awareness campaigns of recent years is ‘Movember’, where men around the world grow moustaches (and in some cases full beards!) throughout November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

Other month-long awareness initiatives include:

Lung Cancer Awareness Month — Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite its prevalence, lung cancer often carries a stigma associated with smoking, leading to misconceptions and delays in diagnosis and treatment for non-smokers and former smokers.

Mouth Cancer Action Month raises awareness about mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, and its risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies. The campaign aims to educate on the importance of early detection, promote lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of mouth cancer, and support individuals affected by the disease.

Mouth cancer refers to cancers that occur in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof, and floor of the mouth, as well as the throat and tonsils. It is often associated with risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and sun exposure.

DECEMBER

  • December 1: World AIDS Day

Some awareness days or weeks may vary slightly each year, and additional awareness campaigns may be organised by specific charities or organisations. Keep checking in on this page, as we’ll keep it updated with new campaigns as they arise.