C S Pramesh, Director of Tata Memorial Hospital and Convener of India’s National Cancer Grid, has been named a candidate for UICC President-elect for the 2026–2028 term. He currently serves on the UICC Board of Directors and brings extensive experience in surgical oncology, cancer research, health systems, and global cancer control.
The new UICC President-elect 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.
UICC President-elect Election 2026: Meet the Candidates
C S Pramesh’s Work in Global Cancer Control
Based in Mumbai, India, Dr Pramesh is Professor and Head of Thoracic Surgery at Tata Memorial Centre, one of the world’s largest comprehensive cancer centres. His work has focused on improving access, quality, and equity in cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
As Convener of the National Cancer Grid, Dr Pramesh leads a network of more than 400 cancer centres, research institutions, and patient advocacy groups across India and partner countries. The network works on standardising cancer care, strengthening capacity, advancing research, and reducing disparities.
His professional work spans clinical care, cancer policy, health systems strengthening, implementation science, and value-based care. He has also contributed to international initiatives with organisations including WHO, ASCO, ESMO, and UICC.
In recognition of his contributions to global cancer control, Dr Pramesh received the Rachel Pearline Award for Global Cancer Research Humanitarianism from the US National Cancer Institute.
C.S. Pramesh Recognized among The 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in 2025
Why C S Pramesh Is Running for UICC President
In his candidate statement, Dr Pramesh said his motivation comes from a long-standing commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by cancer and strengthening international collaboration.
He highlighted the growing global cancer burden alongside opportunities created by advances in science, technology, implementation research, and international cooperation.
“UICC occupies a unique and indispensable position at the intersection of these opportunities and challenges.”
Drawing on his experience leading Tata Memorial Hospital and the National Cancer Grid, Dr Pramesh said his approach has focused on building systems rather than isolated programmes, with an emphasis on sustainable improvements across the cancer care continuum.
He also highlighted his experience working with cancer organisations and institutions across different income settings, saying these collaborations have reinforced the importance of locally relevant solutions supported by global learning.
Strengthening Cancer Systems and Global Collaboration
A major part of Dr Pramesh’s vision is strengthening UICC’s role as a global advocate for equitable cancer control.
He said UICC can further elevate the voices of its members and help ensure that cancer remains a priority on national, regional, and global policy agendas.
“I believe UICC can further strengthen its role as the leading global advocate for equitable cancer control.”
Dr Pramesh also identified health system strengthening as a key area for UICC, particularly as countries face growing cancer burdens alongside pressure to deliver affordable and sustainable care.
His experience with the National Cancer Grid has centred on connecting institutions around shared goals, building consensus, and developing approaches that can be implemented at scale.
Connecting Innovation With Implementation
Dr Pramesh said advances in diagnostics, therapeutics, data science, and artificial intelligence have created significant opportunities for cancer control, but their benefits remain unevenly distributed.
He sees a role for UICC in helping translate these advances into practical improvements in cancer outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
“I believe UICC can play an even greater role in connecting innovation with implementation.”
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the global cancer community itself by creating opportunities for members across disciplines and regions to collaborate and share experience.
“UICC’s greatest asset is its membership.”
If elected, Dr Pramesh said he would bring strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and international experience to the role, with a focus on building a more connected global cancer community.
Watch Dr C S Pramesh’s video message outlining his experience, priorities, and vision as a candidate for UICC President-elect for the 2026–2028 term.
UICC President-elect Election 2026
UICC full-member organisations will elect one President-elect during the virtual General Assembly on October 20, 2026. The President-elect will serve ex officio on the UICC Board before assuming the presidency in October 2028. UICC
The election is part of UICC’s 2026–2028 leadership process, which also includes the election of 14 Board members. The results will be announced during the General Assembly. UICC
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