Anu Agrawal (Anurag K. Agrawal), Vice President of Global Cancer Support at the American Cancer Society (ACS), has been named a candidate for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
A pediatric hematologist-oncologist and bone marrow transplantation physician, Dr Agrawal brings experience spanning clinical oncology, global cancer support, patient navigation, quality improvement, and health disparities.
He has worked across multiple global oncology settings, including Botswana, Lesotho, Vietnam, and the United States, and currently leads ACS global cancer support programmes working with partners across numerous countries.
The new UICC Board will be elected by UICC full-member organisations as part of the 2026 UICC General Assembly, which will take place virtually on October 20, 2026. Electronic voting will open on October 13 and close on October 20 at 14:30 CEST.
Anu Agrawal’s Work in Global Oncology
Dr Agrawal joined the American Cancer Society in May 2024, where he leads global cancer support programmes spanning cancer prevention and screening, patient education, patient navigation, and healthcare provider support and quality improvement.
His career has combined clinical medicine with global health initiatives to strengthen cancer care in resource-limited settings.
He helped lead the development of Southeast Asian Paediatric Haematology/Oncology (SEAPHO), an initiative focused on improving paediatric cancer outcomes in Vietnam. Since 2018, the programme has included a two-year master’s-level training programme that has expanded across regions of the country.
Earlier in his career, Dr Agrawal served as Medical Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology in Gaborone, Botswana, as part of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. He also worked as a Pediatric AIDS Corps Physician with the Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative in Maseru, Lesotho.
From 2014 to 2024, he was based at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where he developed and directed early-phase and cellular therapy programmes. His clinical interests have included integrative oncology, supportive care, pain management, health disparities, and global health.
Why Anu Agrawal Is Running for the UICC Board
In his candidate statement, Dr Agrawal highlighted collaboration and connectivity as central to his approach to global cancer control.
He said his work at ACS has focused on strengthening partnerships and addressing the needs of patients and caregivers, particularly among vulnerable and marginalised populations.
“I see this as a key goal for the work that we must do together to further care for persons with cancer and their caregivers.”
A major focus of his current work is moving patient-centred care from a principle into sustainable practice adapted to local healthcare settings.
Dr Agrawal pointed to the Global Alliance for Cancer Patient Navigation, launched in 2025, as an example of efforts to develop collaborative and evidence-based approaches to improving access and patient-centred care.
“Serving on the UICC Board is a natural extension of this work, and will allow me to further engage with the needs of the global oncology community.”
Strengthening Patient-Centred Cancer Care
Patient-centred care and access are central themes in Dr Agrawal’s candidacy.
He said his experience across different healthcare systems has reinforced the importance of adapting cancer programmes to local circumstances rather than applying identical approaches across settings.
His work in patient navigation focuses on helping people move through cancer care while addressing barriers to accessing appropriate services and support.
He also highlighted the importance of incorporating the perspectives of people with lived experience into cancer policy and care.
“I am focused on patient-centred care, access, and quality care for all populations.”
Collaboration Across Cancer Systems
Dr Agrawal identified collaboration as another key area where he hopes to contribute to UICC.
His professional experience includes partnerships with healthcare institutions, governments, cancer organisations, and other stakeholders across different regions.
He said UICC’s international membership provides an opportunity to connect organisations and share approaches that can be adapted to different healthcare contexts.
“I believe that true collaboration is the key to making meaningful and sustainable progress.”
If elected, Dr Agrawal said he would approach the Board role by first listening to UICC members and understanding their priorities.
He also emphasised integrity, fairness, lifelong learning, and altruism as principles that guide his work.
Watch Dr Anu K. Agrawal’s video message outlining his experience, priorities, and vision as a candidate for the UICC Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
UICC Board Elections 2026
The 2026 UICC election will determine 14 members of the Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
UICC full-member organisations will vote during the virtual General Assembly on October 20, 2026, following the opening of electronic voting on October 13.
The election brings together candidates from different regions and areas of expertise within the global cancer community, with the new Board set to guide UICC’s work during the next term.
Read further on OncoDaily: Jihui Hao Named Candidate for UICC Board of Directors 2026–2028
