National Surgical Oncologist Day
August 22
About National Surgical Oncologist Day
National Surgical Oncologist Day is observed on 22 August each year in the United States to recognise the surgeons who specialise in diagnosing and removing cancer. The day honours the skill, dedication, and life-saving work of surgical oncologists and the teams who support them. It was founded in 2019 by Jenni Cherlin and the Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network, and in 2026 it falls on a Saturday.
What is National Surgical Oncologist Day?
National Surgical Oncologist Day is a dedicated day of recognition for surgical oncologists, the specialist doctors who use surgery to diagnose, stage, and treat cancer. These surgeons often perform some of the most complex and high-stakes operations in medicine, removing tumours while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible. The day was created to thank these professionals and to raise public awareness of the vital role surgery plays in cancer care. It was established by Jenni Cherlin and the Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network, and the Society of Surgical Oncology has helped to promote and establish the observance.
When is National Surgical Oncologist Day?
National Surgical Oncologist Day takes place on 22 August every year. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday. The date is fixed and does not move from year to year. It was chosen to honour Dr De Risi, recognised as the first trained surgical oncologist on Long Island and a specialist in diseases of the breast, who was born on 22 August 1947.
Why National Surgical Oncologist Day Matters
Surgery remains one of the cornerstones of cancer treatment, and for many patients it offers the best chance of a cure. Research estimates that around 80 per cent of new cancer cases will require surgery at some point for diagnosis, treatment, or palliation, and that by 2030 some 17.3 million patients worldwide will need surgical procedures for cancer each year. Behind every one of those operations is a highly trained surgical oncologist.
Yet access to this care is deeply unequal. The Lancet Commission’s Global Surgery 2030 report found that five billion people worldwide lack reliable access to safe surgical care, with the greatest shortfalls in low and middle-income countries. National Surgical Oncologist Day draws attention both to the extraordinary work these surgeons do and to the global need for more of them, while giving patients and families a moment to express gratitude to the people who helped save their lives.
How to Get Involved in National Surgical Oncologist Day
There are many meaningful ways to mark the day, whether you are a patient, a colleague, or simply someone who wants to show appreciation:
- Thank a surgeon – If a surgical oncologist has cared for you or a loved one, send a card, message, or note of gratitude to acknowledge their work.
- Share a story – Post about a positive experience with cancer surgery on social media to highlight the human impact of these specialists.
- Recognise the whole team – Surgical oncologists rely on anaesthetists, nurses, and theatre staff, so extend your thanks to everyone involved in cancer surgery.
- Support a cancer charity – Donate to or fundraise for organisations that advance surgical cancer care, research, and patient support.
- Learn about the speciality – Read about what surgical oncology involves and how it fits alongside chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy in modern treatment.
- Encourage screening – Use the day to remind friends and family about the importance of cancer screening and early detection, which can make surgery more effective.
- Celebrate in the workplace – Hospitals and clinics can mark the day with staff recognition, social media shout-outs, or small tokens of appreciation for their surgical teams.
- Inspire future surgeons – Share information about careers in surgical oncology with students who may be considering a path in medicine.
History of National Surgical Oncologist Day
National Surgical Oncologist Day was founded in March 2019 by Jenni Cherlin and the Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network, a support organisation for people affected by breast cancer. The aim was to create a dedicated day to recognise the surgeons who dedicate their careers to removing cancer and giving patients a fighting chance, a group whose contribution can sometimes be overshadowed by other parts of the treatment journey.
The date of 22 August was chosen to honour Dr De Risi, the first trained surgical oncologist on Long Island and a specialist in breast disease, who was born on that day in 1947. Tying the observance to a real pioneer in the field gave it a personal and historical anchor. The Society of Surgical Oncology, a leading professional body in the speciality, has since helped to promote and cement the day.
Since its founding, the day has been adopted by hospitals, cancer networks, and patient communities as an annual opportunity to say thank you and to raise awareness of the importance of surgical care in the wider cancer fight.
Noteworthy Facts About National Surgical Oncologist Day
- The day was founded in March 2019 by Jenni Cherlin and the Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network.
- The 22 August date honours Dr De Risi, the first trained surgical oncologist on Long Island, born on 22 August 1947.
- The Society of Surgical Oncology has helped to promote and establish the observance.
- An estimated 80 per cent of new cancer cases will require surgery at some stage of care.
- Surgical oncologists perform some of the most complex operations in medicine, from pancreatectomies to liver resections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Surgical Oncologist Day?
It is an annual day of recognition for surgical oncologists, the specialist surgeons who diagnose and remove cancer, celebrating their skill and the lives they help to save.
When is National Surgical Oncologist Day in 2026?
It takes place on Saturday, 22 August 2026, as it does on the same date every year.
Who founded National Surgical Oncologist Day?
It was founded in 2019 by Jenni Cherlin and the Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network, with support from the Society of Surgical Oncology.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Surgical Oncologist Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #SurgicalOncologistDay and #SurgicalOncologistDay2026 on social media. The more people who recognise these surgeons, the bigger the impact of this day. If you want to keep supporting the cause, National Cancer Thriver Day is another meaningful date to mark in your calendar.
Related Awareness Days
- National Cancer Thriver Day – A day celebrating those living with and beyond cancer, many of whom are supported by surgical care.
- Cancer Wellness Awareness Day – Focuses on holistic wellbeing for cancer patients during and after treatment.
- National Call Your Doctor Day – Encourages people to keep up with check-ups and screening, which aid early cancer detection.
Links
2026 Health Awareness Calendar
Health and wellbeing awareness days throughout the year. Perfect for clinics, HR teams, and schools.
View Calendar →
