The World Cancer Leaders’ Summit is held every two years, providing a key forum to explore opportunities and coordinate global responses to the challenges faced by the cancer and health communities. The previous edition was held in Long Beach, CA, United States, from 16–17 October 2023.
The World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2025 is taking place in Melbourne, Australia, hosted by Cancer Council Victoria. Cancer Council Victoria brings together experts from multiple internationally recognised cancer alliances, which collectively represent numerous UICC member organisations, ensuring a diverse and rich exchange of knowledge and strategies in the global fight against cancer.
Our team at OncoDaily has selected a few posts from WCLS25 that you should not miss!
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC):
“Welcome to the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2025!
Today, 400+ leaders and experts from across the global cancer community gather in Melbourne to drive progress towards a world where:
- Everyone has access to affordable cancer treatment and care.
- No one dies from a preventable cancer.
Wishing all participants and speakers a productive Summit!
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre:
“This week, Peter Mac was proud to welcome delegates of World Cancer Leaders’ Summit (WCLS) for an immersive tour of our comprehensive cancer centre, ahead of the Summit’s formal opening.
Hosted by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the WCLS is an invite-only gathering of global cancer leaders—bringing together executives from major cancer societies, research institutes, hospitals, government agencies and patient organisations across more than 170 countries.
The Summit provides a vital forum to shape coordinated international responses to the world’s most pressing cancer challenges.
As a supporter of this year’s Summit – co-hosted by Cancer Council Victoria, and the VCCC Alliance, Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium and the McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer – Peter Mac was honoured to showcase our people, facilities and programs to more than 50 visiting senior leaders.
Delegates toured key areas across the centre, meeting:
A/Prof Geraldine McDonald – Patient Experience & Wellbeing
Kylie Shackleton – Clinical Trials
Prof Michael Hofman – ProsTIC Theranostics and Cancer Imaging
Prof Ben Hogan – Cancer Research
They were then welcomed by Prof Ricky Johnstone and A/Prof. Andrew Dimech for networking with our leadership and staff.
Strengthening global connections like these is essential to accelerating progress in cancer prevention, treatment and research. We are proud to contribute to this international collaboration—and to represent Australia on the world stage as a leading specialist cancer centre.”
McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer:
“We’re so proud to co-host the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2025 this week in Melbourne — a unique gathering where global leaders unite to shape the future of cancer control.
We’re thrilled to have esteemed Australian journalist Virginia Trioli as our emcee this week, and we’re left inspired after last night’s opening, and this morning’s session “Reflecting on the UN HLM on NCDs” – with Dr Cary Adams, and Ulrika Årehed Kågström, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC); Dato’ Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, National Cancer Society of Malaysia: NCD Alliance; Anu Agrawal, American Cancer Society. The political declaration reflects a global consensus we can build on, even though it hasn’t been formally endorsed yet. This segment provided a rich, enlightening, and forward-looking dialogue on the global action in cancer control and how we can take those goals forward nationally, and a look at strengths and weaknesses of the declaration. Our Director, Hayley Jones, contributed to the discussion, sharing strengths of the declaration from a legal lens.
And we’re so pleased to welcome to Melbourne for the WCLS2025 our McCabe Centre Regional Managers joining us from Africa Rachel Kitonyo-Devotsu, Philippines Ma-Anne Rosales-Sto. Domingo, and Samoa Delphina Taoa Kerslake.”
“As President of the European Cancer Organisation (ECO), I was honoured to share my greetings with participants of the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit organized by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in Melbourne, Australia, between 18–20 November.
In my message, I highlighted how this year’s theme “Bridging Divides, Building Futures” reflects both the profound challenges facing global cancer control and the remarkable opportunities ahead.
I encouraged all attendees to be ambitious in their thinking, bold in their partnerships, and unwavering in their commitment to the communities most in need. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in cancer care.”
“Looking forward to Day 2 of the World Cancer Leaders’ Forum in Melbourne.
If last night’s opening addresses are anything to go by, we are in for two days that will challenge, inspire and galvanise hearts and minds. The call to action was clear: ambitious thinking, bold partnerships and an unwavering commitment to those who need us most.
This year’s theme — “Bridging divides and building futures” — could not be more timely or more essential as we work collectively to reduce the global impact of cancer.
Congratulations to Todd Harper, Cancer Council Victoria, VCCC Alliance and partners for hosting such an exceptional gathering. And a special acknowledgement to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for International Cancer Control (UICC), Ulrika Årehed Kågström, the UICC Board and Dr Cary Adams for their steadfast global leadership. Also acknowledging the significant role Australia plays in contributing to the global cancer control conversation, led by Dorothy Keefe and Cancer Australia.”
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC):
“Launching the new World Cancer Declaration 2025–2035.
UICC President, Ulrika Årehed Kågström, has presented the new World Cancer Declaration at the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne:
- Five global targets: including a 25% reduction in cancer mortality and that 60% of cancers are diagnosed at an early stage.
- Five domains for national action: covering planning, data, research, education, and people-centred care.
- Five core principles: ensuring delivery is equitable, collaborative, evidence-based, sustainable, and accountable.
The new 5x5x5 by 2035 framework is set to guide progress that is anchored in equity, evidence and collaboration and inspire global leaders to commit to stronger action against cancer worldwide.
“Travelling to the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne this week?
I’m excited to join Christobel Saunders, Andre Ilbawi and Antonella Cardone in Mission Early’s panel discussion on defining the ideal policy framework for early cancer care on 19 November.
The session will take place in room 203 from 13:20-14:20 AEDT and promises to be one not to missed!
For further information, please click the link here.”
“There’s a reason Melbourne is a consistent winner of the world’s most livable cities and home to one of the most diverse populations… its heart is truly in its people.
The famous hospitality here is immediate and striking; a warmth I felt right down to my Uber driver inviting me to break bread with his family. This city is more than a world-class host; it is a vibrant meeting point, and you can feel its pulse and warmth.
It is to this welcoming and diverse scenario that World Cancer Leaders have descended, with a singular, crucial mission: to re-tackle the current challenges of global cancer control. We are here to ensure that every patient, everywhere, has access to safe, timely, and affordable cancer care.
The Power of the Collective Light
In reflecting on our core Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) theme, “United by Unique,” I was struck by the Melbourne skyline at night. How beautiful the individual lights are, each representing a unique idea, best practice, or perspective from a different continent and setting. Yet, it is the sum of those lights, shining together, that makes the entire vista truly amazing.
This is the very essence of our convening: bringing our unique perspectives and contributions to this critical global conversation to achieve global improvement in each of our individual cancer journeys.
The official convening began with a preparatory UICC Board Meeting held on Monday at the Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) offices. The session was expertly hosted by Todd Harper, CEO of CCV and fellow UICC Board Member, and led by our President, Ulrika Årehed Kågström
This essential pre-meeting successfully set the strategic stage for what promises to be a transformative World Cancer Leaders’ Summit (WCLS). Looking forward to excellent and productive meetings over the coming days!”
“What an energising few days at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Leaders Cancer Forum. Truly privileged to be present at the launch of a new World Cancer Declaration which outlines a roadmap for global progress in cancer control.
There were many other highlights, so much knowledge shared, and countless lessons and connections I’ll carry forward.
A standout was the session on Improving Indigenous Cancer Outcomes Globally, led by the dynamic duo of Professor Kalinda Griffiths and Lisa Whop – a powerful reminder that sovereignty, culture and community leadership must sit at the centre of cancer control.
The discussions on the link of obesity and cancer and need for bolder prevention solutions also stayed with me, including the quote of the day:
“Genetic background loads the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger”.
Other sessions on multilateralism in cancer, liver cancer prevention, care navigation, elimination of cervical cancer and improving childhood cancer outcomes in low-income countries challenged us to think bigger and act bolder. They sparked the kind of collaborative, future-focused conversations that make global gatherings so worthwhile.
Above all, I leave reminded and humbled at the privilege we have in our Australian cancer system, and deeply inspired by the resilience, ingenuity and determination of cancer leaders in lower-income countries who fight every day for improved health outcomes for their communities.
Grateful to be part of a global partnership that is not only growing, but truly thriving. Congrats and thanks to Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) team and local hosts Todd Harper and Cancer Council Victoria team, Sanchia Aranda AM, Grant McArthur AO and the VCCC Alliance, Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer.”
“Day one of WCLS2025 made clear that the epicentre of global health is shifting, and with it comes a renewed urgency to act. We heard frank reflections on cancer care needs in the Pacific, alongside powerful discussions on why supportive care and patient navigation must be at the heart of future systems.
The fantastic liver cancer session delivered a reminder of the crisis and opportunities for coordinated action. The day also featured a compelling panel on improving cancer outcomes for Indigenous peoples, a sobering yet clarifying look at the future of multilateralism and global health, and insights on AI and cancer planning.
And as always, some of the most exciting possibilities emerged in the corridors— side conversations on shared challenges that spark new ideas and collaborations we are just starting to imagine.
As well as catching up with so many lovely friends, a highlight was meeting our MC, the inimitable Virginia Trioli, whose warmth and clarity set the tone for thoughtful dialogue in the ‘Donut of Discussion’! IYKYK
Huge appreciation to the dedicated volunteers from the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, and the outstanding organisation by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) . This work is what truly enables us to live this year’s theme: bridging divides, building futures.
Proud to welcome some of the brightest cancer minds to my hometown of Melbourne as we continue shaping fairer, stronger cancer futures together. Bring on Day 2!”
“This week the World Cancer Leaders Summit was held in Melbourne, Australia and I was very pleased to be able to present in both childhood cancer sessions.
The first was ‘Engagement with pharma for accelerating translation of novel therapies globally’ with Dr Caitlyn Duffy of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dr Gaurav Narula of Tata Memorial Mumbai, and Ellen C. from Direct Relief.
The second was ‘Delivering innovation with integrity: raising the bar for childhood cancer care in LMICs’ with Dr Scott Howard, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President-Elect Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Dr Mazvita Sengayi-Muchengeti from the National Cancer Registry, South Africa, Dr Gevorg Tamamyan, President, SIOP Asia, Dr Andre Ilbawi from WHO and Peter Fischer of ACT for Children.
Thank you all for the collaboration in our various programs and actions!”
“One of the most powerful conversations happening at the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit this week is around the progress toward eliminating cervical cancer worldwide.
I caught up with two inspiring leaders in this space Karen Canfell, University of Sydney and Kate Broun, Head of Screening, Early Detection and Immunisation at Cancer Council Victoria. We discussed the challenges and opportunities ahead, both globally and here in Australia, and the work of many organisations including Cancer Council Victoria to make cervical cancer elimination, a reality.”
Proceed to the video attached to the post.
IARC:
“IARC Director Elisabete Weiderpass and Canadian Cancer Society CEO Andrea Seale enjoyed a productive discussion on institutional synergies in the lead up to the UICC World Cancer Leaders’ Summit.
International collaboration is key in reducing the global burden of cancer.”
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC):
“One of the true highlights of each World Cancer Leaders’ Summit is welcoming UICC member organisations from around the world.
We were delighted to see so many of our members represented in Melbourne, bringing their expertise, passion, and commitment to improving cancer control globally and in their countries.
As the Summit draws to a close, we want to share some moments with just a few of the wonderful organisations joining us this year:
- Breast Cancer Network Australia
- Qatar Cancer Society
- KILELE Health Association(Kenya)
- CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)
- Brunei Cancer Centre
- Global Medical Knowledge Alliance, Ukraine
We’re grateful for such a vibrant and impactful member community!”
More posts about WCLS2025
