MDS World Awareness Day 2026
Stand United for MDS
Every 25 October, the MDS Alliance and its member groups around the world unite to raise awareness of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) – a group of rare blood cancers where the bone marrow can’t make enough healthy blood cells.
This year’s message is Stand United for MDS. Together we raise awareness, share support and speak up for everyone affected by myelodysplastic syndromes.
Healthy bone marrow makes red cells, which carry oxygen; white cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help blood clot. In MDS, one or more of these can run low.
Three messages for 25 October
Know the signs
Tiredness that won’t go away, breathlessness, pale skin, bruising or bleeding easily, and frequent infections can all be signs of MDS. Symptoms can have many causes. If something doesn’t feel right, talk to your doctor.
Symptoms and diagnosis →Ask about your blood counts
A full blood count checks your red cells, white cells and platelets. Tired all the time, or been told your counts are low? Ask your doctor.
What is MDS? →You are not alone
Patient groups worldwide offer advice, guidance and support.
Find your local MDS group →How can you get involved?
Download the graphics below and share them on your social media with the hashtags #MDSWAD2026 and #United4MDS.
Sharing in your own country or language? Jump to the text-free graphics and suggested captions for member organisations.
Want to add your own voice? Use the “I’m standing united for MDS because…” graphic: save it, write your reason, and share it with #United4MDS.
Social media graphics
Download or share these graphics. Remember the hashtags: #MDSWAD2026 #United4MDS
Text-free graphics for member organisations
Sharing in your own country? Download the same graphics without the wording, so you can add your own message in your own language. Free to use with your patients and carers.
Each graphic is available as a square (1080 × 1080 px) and a portrait image. The design, logo and hashtags stay; the space for text is left empty.
Suggested captions
Feel free to translate or adapt, and add your own organisation's handle and website.
01 Stand United for MDS
On 25 October we mark MDS World Awareness Day. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are rare blood cancers, and many people have never heard of them. Today we stand united to raise awareness, share support and speak up for everyone affected. Will you share this post?
02 What is MDS?
What is MDS? Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of rare blood cancers in which the bone marrow can't make enough healthy blood cells: red cells that carry oxygen, white cells that fight infection, and platelets that help blood clot. Some forms stay mild for years; others are more aggressive. Every journey is different.
03 Know the signs
Know the signs of MDS: tiredness that won't go away, breathlessness, pale skin, bruising or bleeding easily, and frequent infections. These symptoms can have many causes, but if something doesn't feel right, talk to your doctor.
04 Ask about your blood counts
A simple blood test, the full blood count (FBC), is often the first step towards an MDS diagnosis. If you're tired all the time or have been told your blood counts are low, ask your doctor whether a referral to a haematologist is right for you.
05 You are not alone
If you or someone you love is living with MDS, you are not alone. Patient organisations around the world offer practical advice, guidance and emotional support to patients and carers. Find your local MDS group at mds-alliance.org.
06 I'm standing united for MDS because…
Why are you standing united for MDS? Save this image, add your own words, and share it with #United4MDS. Whether you're a patient, a carer, a clinician or a friend, your voice helps raise awareness.
Previous awareness days
Look back at earlier MDS World Awareness Day campaigns and other awareness days.
