In this episode of Cancer & Crisis Talks on OncoDaily, host Dr. Jemma Arakelyan sits down with Dr. Richard Sullivan, Professor of Cancer and Global Health at King’s College London, Director of the Institute of Cancer Policy, and advisor to World Health Organization and Save the Children.
This conversation dives into how war, displacement, and fragile health systems are affecting the global cancer burden. Professor Sullivan shares insights from decades of frontline and policy experience, explaining why cancer is no longer a secondary concern in humanitarian crises and how misconceptions about cost and complexity continue to block progress.
The discussion unpacks the intersection of politics, economics, and medicine, highlighting why “health is political” and why meaningful change requires engagement beyond the clinic. From the limitations of technology-driven solutions to the importance of system-level thinking, this episode challenges conventional approaches to global health.
Professor Sullivan also shares practical recommendations for governments, reflections on global health leadership, and essential advice for young professionals looking to make an impact in oncology and humanitarian work.