Han-Kwang Yang, President of the National Cancer Center Korea and Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University, has been named a candidate for the UICC Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
Based in Goyang, South Korea, Dr Yang is a surgical oncologist and internationally recognised expert in gastric cancer, with extensive experience spanning clinical research, cancer centre leadership, international professional societies, and surgical education.
The new UICC Board will be elected by UICC full-member organisations during the 2026 UICC General Assembly, which will take place virtually on October 20, 2026. Electronic voting will open on October 13 and close at 14:30 CEST on October 20.
Why Han-Kwang Yang Is Running for the UICC Board
Dr Yang said his decision to seek a position on the UICC Board is motivated by a desire to share Korea’s experience in national cancer control and strengthen international collaboration.
“I am eager to join the UICC Board of Directors to share the ‘Korean experience’ in national cancer control.”
He highlighted Korea’s systematic approach to cancer screening and clinical care as an experience that may offer lessons for other health systems.
His goal is to help bridge advanced clinical expertise with broader global cancer-control strategies, particularly in settings where specialised cancer capacity remains limited.
Taking the Korean Experience to Global Cancer Control
A major focus of Dr Yang’s candidacy is adapting successful national approaches for use in other settings.
He believes Korea’s experience in population-wide screening, data-driven cancer control, and advanced clinical care can provide useful models for countries developing their own cancer systems.
At the same time, his proposed approach emphasises adaptation rather than simply transferring one national model unchanged.
He said he would focus on creating sustainable peer-to-peer training programmes and standardised clinical guidelines that can strengthen local healthcare workforces.
Building Cancer Capacity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Capacity building is one of the key priorities Dr Yang has identified for his potential contribution to UICC.
If elected, he would seek to expand specialised clinical capacity in low- and middle-income countries through training, professional collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
His extensive international network in gastric cancer and surgical oncology would provide a platform for developing peer-to-peer educational programmes.
“True cancer control requires persistent, systematic effort, and I am committed to leveraging my network to make life-saving care universally accessible.”
For Dr Yang, strengthening local expertise is essential to ensuring that advances in cancer treatment can be sustained beyond individual projects or institutions.
Han-Kwang Yang’s Leadership in Cancer Care
As President of the National Cancer Center Korea, Dr Yang oversees the institution’s Cancer Research Institute, Hospital, National Cancer Control Institute, and Graduate School.
His career has combined clinical oncology, research, education, and health system leadership, with a particular focus on gastric cancer.
He has been involved in several large-scale randomised controlled trials evaluating gastric cancer treatment and is the founding chairman of the Korean Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study Group (KLASS).
His surgical research has contributed to advances in minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer, including function-preserving approaches such as pylorus-preserving gastrectomy.
A Focus on Capacity Building and Advocacy
Dr Yang has identified UICC’s Capacity Building and Advocacy priorities as key areas where he would contribute.
His vision includes developing sustainable training programmes, strengthening clinical workforces, and promoting evidence-based standards across countries.
He also emphasises the importance of long-term commitment to cancer control rather than short-term interventions.
“I bring a meticulous, day-by-day approach to building sustainable healthcare capacity.”
His extensive professional network across Asia and internationally could also support broader collaboration between cancer centres, professional societies, and healthcare systems.
Watch Dr Han-Kwang Yang’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 elected Board will help guide UICC’s work in cancer prevention, early detection, health equity, capacity building, access to care, advocacy, and global cancer control.
Read further on OncoDaily: Timothy Rebbeck Named Candidate for UICC Board of Directors 2026–2028
