Norman Ng:
“United Against Cancer – Thoughts from WCC 2026 Hong Kong
Listening to the Chief Executive’s opening address at the World Cancer Congress 2026 in Hong Kong fills me with hope. This historic Congress is the first time Hong Kong hosts this global gathering, uniting nearly 2,000 healthcare professionals, policymakers and specialists to advance cancer research, prevention, treatment and patient care.
The speech outlined Hong Kong’s vision to become an international hub for healthcare and health innovation, strengthening Greater Bay Area collaboration and speeding up access to breakthrough medicines for patients.
As Convenor of the Hong Kong Lung Cancer Patient Concern Group and a lung cancer survivor, I am deeply grateful to take part in this milestone event. Let’s work together in fighting cancer, building better patient support and advancing cancer control hand in hand.
World Cancer Congress 2026 – Grateful to Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society for connecting global cancer community
I am truly grateful to the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society (HKACS) for giving me this precious opportunity to volunteer at the World Cancer Congress 2026 in Hong Kong.
Founded in 1963, HKACS delivers comprehensive cancer support services covering prevention, health education, psycho-social support, community programmes, residential care, charity projects, survivorship support and palliative care. The booth theme ‘Facing cancer, we can be heroes. Let’s fight along together’ resonates deeply with me. In the cancer journey, patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and volunteers are all heroes walking side by side.
At this global forum, I connected with cancer experts and patient advocates from all over the world. We exchanged insights on cancer care and patient support. As a lung cancer patient advocate, it is a great honour to represent and share HKACS’s long-standing local work with international delegates here in Hong Kong.
No one fights cancer alone. HKACS has built a solid community support network for patients and caregivers over decades. Hosting the World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong enables us to share our local experience with the world and learn from global best practices to advance cancer care.
Thank you HKACS for this opportunity. Let us keep working together for the cancer community.
Serendipity at WCC: From launching Crizotinib to living on Lorlatinib as an ALK Lung Cancer Patient Advocate
It was such a heartfelt and serendipitous moment meeting Angeliki Souri at the World Cancer Congress 2026 in Hong Kong.
As a volunteer on-site, I assisted her in uploading her conference presentation, and during our brief conversation, she shared an inspiring story: the President of Lung Cancer Europe is also an ALK-positive lung cancer survivor, and is a former Pfizer professional.
This immediately struck a deep chord within me.
I spent many years at Pfizer, leading the launch of Crizotinib – the world’s first-generation ALK inhibitor that changed the treatment landscape for ALK lung cancer. Today, as a long-term ALK lung cancer patient advocate, I am personally benefiting from Pfizer’s third-generation ALK targeted therapy, lorlatinib, in my own cancer journey.
Standing at this crossroad – once as a pharmaceutical professional bringing life-changing drugs to patients, and now as a patient living and thriving on those very innovations – feels incredibly humbling and meaningful.
As the Convenor of the Hong Kong Lung Cancer Patient Concern Group, I am truly grateful for these rare, genuine connections at global cancer forums. They remind us that the medical industry, scientific progress, and patient hope are always intertwined across borders.
Grateful for every encounter that fuels our mission for better lung cancer care and patient advocacy worldwide.
Honoured to join the volunteer briefing for the World Cancer Congress (WCC) 2026, hosted in Hong Kong
Reading UICC’s mission on screen – to unite the cancer community, reduce global cancer burden, advance equity, and keep cancer control high on global health agenda – resonates deeply with me. As a cancer survivor and patient advocate, I am delighted to serve as one of the volunteers for this meaningful global event.
Looking forward to connecting with healthcare professionals, patient advocates and peers from all over the world in the coming days. Together we strive for better cancer care and equity for every patient.”
Prisca Githuka:
“What a start to the World Cancer Congress 2026!
Day 1 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has been incredibly busy and inspiring. It was so difficult to choose which sessions to attend because every track aligns with topics I am deeply passionate about.
Grateful moments from today:
- Connecting with my peers in the Patient Group Mentoring Program and learning about the amazing work they are doing across the globe.
- Honored to have presented an abstract titled ‘From Policy to Practice: Driving Equitable Cancer Care Financing in Kenya’s Health Financing System Amidst a Transition’.
We crowned the evening with a wonderful social event – dinner, networking, and Hong Kong by night.
I will be sharing a summary of my key learnings from WCC later. Here’s to more learnings in the coming days!”
Mark Lawler:
“Big Day today here in Hong Kong at World Cancer Congress
First up the Big Debate on the provocative topic ‘Will Precision Oncology Deliver a Healthier World,’ up against great friend and colleague Lillian Siu (but we will be parking out friendship at the door…) and I’m on the Agauinst side of this debate.
Next up, my wonderful colleague and friend Raffaella Casolino and I will co-launch the eagerly awaited The Lancet Oncology Commission ‘Accelerating equitable cancer genomics and precision oncology in healthcare and research’ VVVV Excited about this!
And finally I’m speaking on the ‘From plans to progress: leveraging Artificial Intelligence to strengthen national cancer control plans and drive measurable impact’
And to top it all my great mate Richard Sullivan is the planner-in-chief for a cracking night out in Hong Kong – no better man.”
Julia Ismael:
“Inspired, deeply moved, and with a renewed focus
That is how my first day at the World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong comes to a close.
It is hard to summarize in just a few lines the wealth of ideas, the human warmth, and the depth of exchanges experienced today. Having the opportunity to connect, debate, and share space with world-renowned figures in global cancer control has been a truly profound experience.
In every session and conversation, a shared urgency resonates: the critical need to translate evidence into concrete public policies and to close the access gap in cancer care, particularly across our region.
My three key takeaways from this inspiring start:
- The power of global networks: When tackling a challenge as complex as cancer, international cooperation is not optional-it is the only way forward.
- Purpose-driven innovation: Technological progress is only complete when paired with equity and real-world implementation within health systems.
- Shared leadership: Exchanging perspectives on how to champion gender equity and inclusion in health decision-making reassures me that we are on the right path.
This is just the beginning. Ahead lie strategic discussions and new partnerships. More updates from Hong Kong to come!
To those following the congress or working in the field: which priority axis do you believe the global cancer control agenda must address most urgently today?”
Gilberto Lopes:
“Tonight I leave Singapore for Hong Kong. UICC board meeting and WCC26 are next.
UICC’s greatest strength is not any single program or leader. It is the network: cancer organizations, hospitals, researchers, advocates, policymakers and people affected by cancer working across very different health systems.
A global cancer organization should help that network do more – connecting evidence to action, helping members learn from one another, strengthening capacity and making it easier to scale what works.
As we head toward the World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong, that is the question I will be listening for: what do members need from UICC to turn shared knowledge into measurable progress?
Leadership in cancer control should make institutions stronger and collaboration easier. The work belongs to all of us.”
Alright, as WCC26 day 2 come to an end, here are some candid pics from the team, courtesy of CEO Cary Adams.
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC):
“The World Cancer Congress 2026 has officially begun!
Over 2,000 delegates from 120+ countries are in Hong Kong for the WCC2026.
Today’s Opening Ceremony featured welcome remarks from Ulrika Årehed Kågström, President, UICC, Dr Che-hung Leong, President, Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society (HKACS), Dr Jie He, Director, National Cancer Center China and other dignitaries.
‘We will deliver a world-class event that will strengthen collaboration and accelerate progress in cancer control. By bringing global experts, policy makers and advocates together, the Congress will foster new partnerships, deeper knowledge sharing and capacity building and inform evidence-based policy for prevention, screening, and access to treatment.’
– Dr Che-hung Leong, President of the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society.
Participants enjoyed a traditional Dotting of the Eye Ceremony followed by a colourful Lion Dance performance.
Today’s programme also includes:
- A call to action by UICC and the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society in support of the World Cancer Declaration
- Sessions on the global state of cancer control, people-centred care, the opportunities AI presents, screening at scale and lung cancer, accelerating access to cancer care, cancer prevention
- Abstract presentations, rapid-fire sessions and Spotlight Stage talks
- The Global Village featuring Tai Chi sessions, a Chinese Traditional Pavilion, a Supportive Care Pavilion, a World Cancer Day exhibition and much more!
- A social evening with our hosts, the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society
Stay tuned for more from the WCC2026.”
Alexander Roediger:
“At the inspiring World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong, two numbers stood out on day 1.
UICC has set an ambitious goal: a 25% reduction in cancer mortality by 2035. At the same time, China accounts for around 25% of the world’s cancer cases.
Improving cancer care across the entire patient journey, from prevention and early detection to treatment and supportive care, will be essential to meeting the challenges. And as said in the opening session:
‘take practical steps towards that goal’.”
Miriam Mutebi:
One of the most memorable moments leading into the World Cancer Congress this week was a tour of the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society centre.
I went in expecting a briefing, but got much more…a genuine shift in how I am thinking about supportive cancer care.
The centre demonstrated integrative approaches that are very thoughtful and practically grounded.
Consider Chinese medicine used alongside conventional treatment to help manage the side effects of chemotherapy, for example. Or acupuncture as a companion to relieving a range of other symptoms.
Very refreshing to see, because for a long time the conversation around complementary therapies in oncology has often been framed as a tension: conventional versus traditional, scientific versus cultural.
What I saw in Hong Kong suggested a different framing entirely:
What if the question is not which approach is right, but how we integrate multiple approaches in a way that genuinely serves the patient?
Holistic, patient-centred care is a clinical imperative. And seeing it operationalised so thoughtfully, in a centre built around that principle, was instructive.
The board meeting itself was equally meaningful. A chance to reconnect with colleagues, reflect on what we have built together over the last two years, and think seriously about what the next two years require.
More on that soon. But first… the World Cancer Congress.
Sophie Matte:
“Incredible session underway at the World Cancer Congress 2026 on the breakthroughs shaping the future of cancer care.
Thank you Dr. Folakemi Odedina for sharing Mayo Clinic’s exciting progress in AI-enabled cancer care and the potential to transform how we reach and support patients.
‘Cancer is not slowing down, so we need to move faster.’
A powerful message from Robert Day, highlighting Pfizer improving processes and accelerating access for patients.
And great to hear from Elizabeth Mittendorf, bringing American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) perspective on how we translate innovation and scientific progress into better cancer care.
A strong reminder that progress will depend not only on breakthrough science, but on how quickly and equitably we can turn it into impact for patients.”
Harjeet Kaur:
“From patient to partner – and this week, that journey has brought me to the World Cancer Congress 2026 in Hong Kon.
I’m proud to be here representing Chai and Hope and joining this global community as a patient advocate, patient partner and speaker from Canada – connecting with patient advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals and cancer leaders from around the world.
Seven years ago, I was navigating a Stage IV rare blood cancer diagnosis.
Today, I’m here as a cancer survivor, patient advocate, patient partner, co-founder of Chai and Hope – and a speaker.
Tomorrow, September 25, I’ll be speaking on the Spotlight Stage.
Spotlight Stage – Session 4
10:40–11:10 AM
Hall 3F – Spotlight Stage
My talk, ‘From Patient to Partner: Turning Lived Experience into Health Equity,’ explores something I care deeply about: how we move lived experience beyond storytelling and into meaningful partnership in research, healthcare, policy and decision-making.
Because patient voices matter far beyond social media and sharing our stories. But there’s another part of meaningful patient engagement that we need to talk about:
Who supports patients to actually get into these rooms?
Being invited to contribute is important. But participation comes with real costs – registration, travel, accommodation, time and other barriers that can determine who gets to participate and whose voices are represented.
That reality has made me think even more deeply about what we mean when we say we want to ‘include the patient voice.’
If we want diverse patient voices represented at national and global tables, we also need structures that make it possible for patients to be there. Supporting patient voices cannot stop at inviting patients to tell their stories.
It means investing in their participation. Removing financial and accessibility barriers.
Recognizing lived experience as expertise. And involving patients as partners from the beginning – not as an afterthought.
Representation matters. But access to the table matters too.
And that’s why connection and collaboration at the World Cancer Congress mean so much to me.
If you’re attending, come find me at the Spotlight Stage tomorrow – or please say hello if you see me around the Congress.
I’d love to connect with patient advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals and organizations working across patient engagement, health equity, survivorship, research and meaningful patient partnership – especially those interested in exploring how we can better support and invest in patient-led work.
Sometimes collaboration starts with nothing more than, ‘Hi, I saw your LinkedIn post.’
So, who else is here in Hong Kong? Connect with me here on LinkedIn or come say hello in person. I’d love to meet you.
World Cancer Congress 2026 – Hong Kong
September 24–26, 2026.”
Julie Gralow:
“Celebrating World Cancer Research Day 2026 at the Union for International Cancer Control WCC2026 in Hong Kong with colleagues from around the globe.”
Gonzalo López-Cuevas:
“One of our last pictures together as the Executive Committee of the Union for International Cancer Control, 2024-2026. From Hong Kong, at the World Cancer Congress 2026, I am joined by our current President, Ulrika Årehed Kågström (Sweden), and our President-elect, Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu (Nigeria), uniting visions for the future of global cancer control.
Beyond the visual memory, what truly transcends is the impact of the work we have built-from maintaining an international organization with sound finances and a strong membership, to driving global public policies like the World Cancer Declaration 2025-2035.
As Treasurer, seeing this congress come to life with more than 2,000 attendees from over 122 countries reaffirms that every resource and every effort is vital when the ultimate goal is to accelerate progress against this disease. We close this chapter with the satisfaction of a job well done and the certainty that the global fight remains in the best hands.”
ACS Global:
“One of the best parts of World Cancer Congress? The People
We’ve loved connecting with partners, colleagues, and friends from across the global cancer community and learning more about the work happening around the world.
If you’re here with us, stop by the American Cancer Society booth (#40) and say hello!
You can also join the ACS Glocal team for one of our Friday Sessions to learn more, share ideas, and continue the conversation.
See you there!”
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