The First Global Forum for Cancer Control: A Landmark Step Towards Stronger National Responses

In a world where cancer continues to be a growing public health burden, the importance of coordinated, well-funded, and effective national strategies cannot be overstated. Recognizing this, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)—in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP)—has announced a groundbreaking initiative: The Cancer Planners Forum.

This first-of-its-kind global gathering, taking place 14–16 May 2025 at the Pavillon Gallatin in Geneva, brings together up to 150 individuals tasked with developing and implementing National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs). With participation by invitation only, the Forum will serve as a dedicated space for policymakers, researchers, and advocates to exchange insights, align strategies, and enhance the effectiveness of their national cancer responses.

Why a Global Forum for Cancer Planners?

Cancer is an ever-growing global public health issue, with a significant burden on health systems, economies, and overall societal well-being. Governments worldwide are increasingly recognizing cancer control as a long-term investment that requires effective, well-funded, and coordinated national strategies.

National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) have become essential frameworks for guiding these efforts. However, many countries still face significant gaps in the implementation, funding, and monitoring of these plans.

The Cancer Planners Forum is designed to address these disparities, enabling planners to:

• Learn from real-world case studies and data-driven approaches.

• Understand the investment case for cancer control.

• Build capacity for policy development, evaluation, and resource mobilization.

• Collaborate across borders to address shared challenges.

A Dynamic and Interactive Agenda

Unlike traditional conferences, the Cancer Planners Forum will be hands-on and participatory. The three-day programme includes:

• Plenary sessions on global best practices and policy trends

• Working group discussions tackling implementation challenges

• Case studies from countries with successful NCCPs

• Sessions on data, law, policy, and investment strategies in cancer planning

Attendees will also have opportunities to network during evening receptions on 14 and 15 May, with the event aligning with the World Health Assembly for those staying on in Geneva.

Who Will Be There?

Participants will include:

• National and regional cancer control planners (up to two per country)

• Representatives from UICC, WHO, IARC, IAEA, and ICCP

• Experts, speakers, and representatives from sponsoring organizations

This diverse and targeted group ensures that the Forum fosters deep engagement and lasting collaboration among key decision-makers in global cancer control.

A Forum with a Lasting Impact

The Forum is not just a one-time event—it marks the beginning of a sustained global effort. UICC will launch an online community for participants, ensuring ongoing dialogue, knowledge exchange, and mutual support.

Key objectives include:

• Building a global network of cancer control professionals

• Promoting evidence-based planning and evaluation

• Encouraging cross-border collaboration

• Increasing funding and political commitment to NCCPs

A Turning Point for National Cancer Control

By convening the world’s cancer planners under one roof, the Cancer Planners Forum signals a pivotal moment in global health policy. It offers an unprecedented platform to transform ambition into action, ensuring that every country—regardless of income level—can develop and implement cancer control plans that are comprehensive, data-driven, and sustainable.

As the Forum unfolds in Geneva, it sets the stage for a future where collaboration transcends borders, and every nation is equipped to fight cancer with strategy, resilience, and hope.

Stay Connected for More Insights

As we witness the global commitment to enhancing cancer control, it’s clear that collaboration and innovation are key to overcoming this ever-growing challenge.

Stay informed and join the conversation by following OncoDaily for more insights and updates from the forefront of cancer care and policy. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer.