In the News
Mayor Sarno and the City of Springfield join the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to recognize WORLD CANCER DAY
World Cancer Day is an international day observed on February 4th to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, and mobilize action to address the global cancer epidemic.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, on behalf of the City of Springfield, joins this year with the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to recognize World Cancer Day in Springfield.
In September of 2024, the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention / Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health invited Mayor Sarno and the City of Springfield to join in recognizing World Cancer Day on February 4th 2025.
World Cancer Day, which began in 2000, is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the largest and oldest international cancer organization dedicated to taking action on cancer. UICC unites and supports the cancer community in its efforts to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity and ensure that cancer control remains a priority on the global health and development agenda.

The Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which was founded in 2019, with the goal to support prevention, education, and research across the cancer continuum, participated in the Prudential Tower Lightings program, lighting up the tower in Blue and Orange in 2024 on World Cancer Day. For this year, 2025, the Harvard Chan Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention sought to expand their cancer awareness efforts to the Western part of the state. Cancer touches millions of lives including those here in Springfield. Mayor Sarno did not hesitate to offer support.

This one of many awareness/recognition campaigns that the City has partnered to be a part of. From going pink for Breast Cancer Awareness in October, to Green in May for Mental Health Month, Purple for Overdose Awareness Day in August, blue for Moyamoya disease awareness on May 6th, red for World Aids Day in December, blue in April for Autism, September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, to awareness for respiratory care, domestic violence awareness, organ donation, and more. In 2017, Mayor Sarno joined representatives from the American Cancer Society for a special Luminaria Cermony on the steps of City Hall. Candles placed inside white bags were displayed on the City Hall steps to spell out "Hope" as the evening honored and remembered those lost to cancer, and to bring hope to those who are fighting it.
This year, for World Cancer Day 2025, Mayor Sarno has issued a proclamation declaring the day “World Cancer Day” in the City. Springfield’s City Hall Campanile Clock Tower will join in Lighting Up Blue & Orange on February 4, 2025 for World Cancer Day.

“Cancer is the leading cause of death in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There are significant disparities in cancer risk and mortality in the City of Springfield that we must address to optimize the health of Springfield citizens. We at the Zhu Family Center are pleased to partner with the City of Springfield to bring awareness to this important topic,” stated Timothy R Rebbeck, PhD., Director of the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention and the Vincent L. Gregory, Jr. Professor of Cancer Prevention.
Mayor Sarno states, “First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for their expansive initiatives surrounding Cancer awareness. We all have family, friends and loved ones who have battled this challenge – cancer does not discriminate. This is why it is so important to come together to support each other and remember that we are not alone. I am so grateful and touched by the outpouring of support from so many people since I learned of my own cancer diagnoses last year. I am humbled and inspired by the many stories of strength and survival you have shared with me. Thank you.”
Mayor Sarno continued, “Additionally, I would like to thank my excellent team of medical professionals who have cared for me during the past few months with my diagnosis. Thank you to Dr. Francis Murray; Dr. Phil Glynn, Director of Medical Oncology at Mercy Medical Center and the Sister Caritas Cancer Center; President of Mercy Medical Center Dr. Robert Roose, and staff. I’d also like to thank the team at Dana Farber for their dedication and care. In Western Massachusetts, not only are we fortunate to the Sister Caritas Cancer Center, but a dedicated team of oncologists at Baystate Medical Center, which happens to be the only Level 1 trauma hospital in Western Massachusetts. Thank you for all your support.”




