Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, CEO and President of Breast Care International (BCI) and Peace and Love Hospital in Ghana, has been named a candidate for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
Dr Wiafe-Addai is among 24 candidates running for 14 seats on the UICC Board. The new 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, 2026, and close during the General Assembly on October 20.
Beatrice Wiafe-Addai’s Work in Cancer Control
Based in Accra, Ghana, Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai is a breast surgeon, cancer advocate, and global health leader dedicated to improving cancer awareness, early detection, and access to care across Africa.
She is the Founder and President of Breast Care International (BCI), a leading non-governmental organisation focused on breast cancer awareness, screening, patient support, research, and advocacy in Ghana and beyond.
For more than two decades, Dr Wiafe-Addai has led initiatives reaching thousands of women through community education programmes, screening campaigns, and survivor support services. Her work has contributed to reducing stigma around breast cancer and promoting earlier diagnosis and treatment.
She also serves as CEO and President of Peace and Love Hospital, where she combines clinical expertise with broader efforts to strengthen cancer care delivery.
Dr Wiafe-Addai was the first female General Surgeon in Ghana and has received numerous national and international recognitions for her contributions to healthcare, women’s empowerment, and cancer control.
Through her leadership, BCI has become an important platform for breast cancer advocacy in Ghana and across Africa, promoting patient-centred approaches and sustainable solutions for communities facing cancer care challenges.
Why Beatrice Wiafe-Addai Is Running for the UICC Board
In her candidate statement, Dr Wiafe-Addai highlighted her desire to contribute her clinical experience, advocacy background, and global health perspective to UICC’s mission of reducing the global cancer burden.
She said that serving on the UICC Board would provide an opportunity to share her experience with other leaders working toward improving cancer outcomes.
“It is an opportunity to share the knowledge and expertise I have acquired over the years with like-minded people who might be able to leverage it to save more lives.”
Reflecting on her international collaborations with cancer organisations, academic institutions, development partners, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and civil society groups, Dr Wiafe-Addai emphasised the importance of partnerships in advancing cancer control.
“My international experience includes collaborating with global cancer organisations, academic institutions, development partners, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and civil society organisations to advance cancer control and reduce inequities in access to care.”
Her priorities include strengthening equity across the cancer care continuum, using breast cancer advocacy as a platform to support broader cancer control efforts, and leveraging advances in science, technology, and artificial intelligence to improve prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
“My objectives are to ensure equity and equality in the cancer care continuum, use the breast cancer platform to advocate for other cancers, and capitalise on advanced science, technology, and AI to help us blaze new trails in cancer control.”
Bringing an African Perspective to Global Cancer Leadership
Dr Wiafe-Addai said her candidacy is built on a combination of clinical expertise, grassroots advocacy, visionary leadership, and experience working within healthcare systems in Africa.
As a Consultant Breast Surgeon and founder of Breast Care International, she has worked to expand breast cancer awareness, improve early detection, and support patients and survivors, particularly in underserved communities.
She also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the perspectives of patients, survivors, women, and African communities are represented in global cancer decision-making.
“I bring to the UICC Board a strong understanding of the realities faced by low- and middle-income countries, as well as a deep commitment to equity, patient-centred care, and sustainable solutions.”
Through Breast Care International, Dr Wiafe-Addai has helped create a network of more than 1,000 breast cancer survivors and has contributed to strengthening cancer awareness and advocacy in Ghana and across the African continent.
Watch Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai’s video message outlining her experience, priorities, and vision as a candidate for the UICC Board of Directors 2026–2028.
UICC Board Elections 2026
The 2026 UICC Board 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 newly elected Board will help guide UICC’s work in global cancer control, including efforts to reduce disparities, strengthen health systems, and unite stakeholders across the international cancer community.
Read further on OncoDaily: Maira Caleffi Named Candidate for UICC Board of Directors 2026–2028
