Jesper Fisker, CEO of the Danish Cancer Society, has been named a candidate for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Fisker brings extensive experience in cancer control, health system reform, public administration, organisational leadership, and international health policy.
Before joining the Danish Cancer Society, he served as Permanent Secretary in several Danish ministries, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of the Interior and Health, and the Ministry of Social Affairs, where he led major policy reforms and public institutions.
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.
Jesper Fisker’s Leadership in Cancer Control and Health Systems
As CEO of the Danish Cancer Society, Fisker oversees an organisation working across cancer research, prevention, and support for people with cancer and their relatives.
The organisation is supported by approximately 400,000 paying members and 35,000 volunteers and includes the Danish Cancer Institute, a research centre with international collaborations.
Fisker has also held a number of senior governance positions. He was a member of the WHO Executive Board and was appointed by the Danish government to chair Denmark’s Health Structure Commission, which examined how to develop effective and sustainable healthcare systems across local, regional, and national levels.
He previously served as Chair of University College Copenhagen, which educates healthcare professionals, and remains involved in several national and international organisations, including the Nordic Cancer Union and the European Fair Pricing Network.
Why Jesper Fisker Is Running for the UICC Board
Fisker said his interest in joining the UICC Board is rooted in his belief in the organisation’s ability to bring governments, patients, and civil society together around shared cancer-control priorities.
“UICC brings together governments, patients, and civil society in a unique partnership, creating real change for cancer patients and their relatives globally.”
He said his experience in health system reform, coalition-building, and public mobilisation could contribute to UICC’s work and its global membership.
As CEO of the Danish Cancer Society, Fisker works across research, prevention, patient and family support, and national and international cancer policy.
His international experience includes collaboration with WHO, the United Nations, European and Nordic cancer organisations, and the NCD Alliance in East Africa.
He has also participated in UICC initiatives including Reimagining Cancer Research in Europe and the UICC Solidarity Fund for Ukraine.
Four Priorities for Global Cancer Control
Fisker has identified four priorities that would guide his contribution to the UICC Board:
- Advancing tobacco and nicotine endgame strategies
- Improving equitable access to medicines
- Reducing inequalities in cancer prevention, treatment, and care
- Strengthening civil society
These priorities reflect his broader focus on prevention, health equity, healthcare access, and the role of civil society in shaping cancer policy.
Experience in Major Health System Reform
A significant part of Fisker’s leadership experience comes from his work as Chair of Denmark’s Health Structure Commission.
The commission was tasked with developing proposals for the organisation and governance of Denmark’s healthcare system. Fisker said this experience strengthened his ability to work across political, professional, and institutional boundaries to develop and implement complex reforms.
“I have spent most of my life working to make health systems fairer and more transparent, from the halls of government to the heart of civil society.”
His experience in government has also given him an understanding of how policy decisions are developed and implemented, while his current leadership of a major civil society organisation provides a perspective on advocacy and public engagement.
Building Coalitions Across Cancer and Health Policy
Fisker emphasised coalition-building as a central element of his approach to cancer control.
His career has involved working with policymakers, healthcare professionals, patient organisations, civil society groups, and international institutions.
“By engaging policymakers, healthcare professionals, patient organisations, and civil society, I have built common purpose across perspectives, and ensured that diverse voices are reflected in policy and practice.”
He said these experiences could help UICC strengthen collaboration between its diverse membership and translate strategic priorities into practical action.
International Perspective on Cancer Control
Fisker’s international work includes engagement with WHO, the UN, European and Nordic cancer organisations, and the NCD Alliance in East Africa.
These collaborations have exposed him to different approaches to cancer prevention, health system development, healthcare financing, and access to treatment.
He said his goal as a UICC Board member would be to build on the organisation’s existing work while bringing a coalition-driven approach to its priorities.
“I will support and build on the UICC Board’s work, bringing a coalition-driven approach that will help advance UICC’s key priorities.”
Watch Jesper Fisker’s video message outlining her 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, equitable access to cancer care, health systems strengthening, advocacy, and international collaboration.
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