DHL and partners take up the fight
As One Against Cancer
Worldwide, about one in five people develop cancer in their lifetime – one in nine men and one in twelve women die from it.* The fight against cancer is one of the most important jobs of global health care.
*Source: Global Cancer Observatory, 2022
Prevention saves lives
A central part of this responsibility involves researching life-saving medications, diagnostic methods and therapies. But we can all do our part in the fight against cancer, such as raising awareness in our own communities about the importance of cancer prevention. In 2019, DHL pilot Mia Friedrich and her colleague Jennifer Platt, a project manager at DHL, took this on and launched the “As One Against Cancer” initiative. Since then, countless dedicated employees at DHL have brought this initiative to life, raising greater awareness about cancer prevention and how it saves lives.
The DHL hub in Leipzig has actively supported the initiative since 2019. In 2025, its cancer prevention campaign received a boost from the renowned Leipzig-based Gewandhausorchester – one of DHL’s longstanding partners, and recognized as both the world’s oldest civic symphony orchestra and the largest touring orchestra. As part of their close partnership with DHL, the Gewandhausorchester is an active supporter of “As One Against Cancer”.
Pinktober and Movember
In 2025, the Leipzig hub campaign will span October and November – months globally recognized as Pinktober and Movember, dedicated to raising awareness around breast cancer and men’s health. During this time, individuals, organizations, and companies take to the streets and the web with countless initiatives. And DHL is proud to be part of it of course.
Strong partnerships for an emotional issue
At the heart of the campaign is the emotional short film The Missed Call. The power of music, recorded by the renowned Gewandhausorchester, plays a leading role in the film.
The Missed Call
The film tells a familiar story: a woman learns that someone close to her has been diagnosed with cancer. At the same time, it presents a collage of perspectives from the many partners and institutions that play a vital role in supporting cancer patients – from diagnosis to treatment.
Alongside the Gewandhausorchester, the film features other Leipzig-based institutions such as the Cancer Center Central Germany at Leipzig University Hospital, Haus Leben e.V., and the medical company Bio-Rad Laboratories. True to the campaign’s motto – “As One Against Cancer” – the film does not shy away from the fear that comes with such a diagnosis. Instead, it counters with the power of cooperation, solidarity and hope.
