Dr Matti Aapro, medical oncologist at Genolier Cancer Centre in Switzerland, President of Sharing Progress in Cancer Care (SPCC), and a current member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Board of Directors, has been named a candidate for the UICC Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
Dr Aapro 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.
Matti Aapro’s Career in Global Cancer Care
Based in Collonge–Bellerive, Switzerland, Dr Matti Aapro is a medical oncologist with decades of experience in cancer care, research, education, and international cancer policy.
He currently serves as a Board Member of Genolier Cancer Center and President of Sharing Progress in Cancer Care (SPCC). He is also a former President of All.Can, former President of the European Cancer Organisation, and a past member of the Advisory Board of the European School of Oncology (ESO).
Dr Aapro received his medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine of Geneva and completed a fellowship at the Arizona Cancer Centre in Tucson, USA. He later became the founding Chair of the Medical and Radiation Therapy Department at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy.
Throughout his career, Dr Aapro has contributed to numerous international cancer organisations, including the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), and the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC).
He received recognition as an ESMO Fellow in 2023 and has played a key role in advancing cancer care through leadership positions in oncology societies worldwide.
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Focus on Supportive Care, Access, and Cancer in Older People
Dr Aapro’s clinical and advocacy work has focused on breast cancer, cancer in older adults, supportive care, and equitable access to cancer treatment.
He was among the leaders involved in establishing the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), helping to advance awareness of the specific needs of older people with cancer.
His work has also focused on ensuring that patients have access to appropriate surgical, radiation, and medical oncology treatments, while recognising the importance of supportive care throughout the cancer journey.
Dr Aapro has maintained long-standing involvement with UICC, including chairing the scientific and organising committees of the 2008 UICC World Cancer Congress in Geneva and supporting the 2010 UICC Shenzhen Congress.
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Why Matti Aapro Is Running for the UICC Board
In his candidate statement, Dr Aapro described UICC as a leading organisation in global cancer control and highlighted his long-standing relationship with the organisation.
He said his experience with UICC has provided opportunities to support efforts focused on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment access, and patient-centred care.
“To be a Board member of UICC has been an opportunity to help so many who work to prevent cancer, detect it early, permit access to all treatments, and above all, listen to the person’s diverse needs in a constantly changing world.”
Dr Aapro said that, if elected, he would continue supporting UICC members through his international experience and professional networks, with particular attention to breast cancer, supportive care, and access to treatment.
He also highlighted the importance of prevention efforts, including reducing tobacco use and addressing obesity-related cancer risks.
“My priorities will be your priorities, as determined by the General Assembly and the discussions of the Board with UICC’s team.”
Bringing Decades of International Experience to the UICC Board
Dr Aapro highlighted his experience working with international oncology organisations and collaborating across countries, cultures, and healthcare systems.
He said the global cancer community faces increasingly complex challenges, including political and humanitarian crises, but emphasised the importance of continued cooperation.
“Together, joining forces to speak loud and clear to those who take crucial decisions, we should be able to strengthen the work of UICC in the next years.”
Dr Aapro also highlighted UICC’s role in bringing together stakeholders and influencing global cancer policies through collaboration with organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
“UICC is a key partner of major organisations like WHO, and works with many groups and societies dedicated to the prevention of cancer, its treatment, and the support of people with cancer worldwide.”
With decades of experience in oncology leadership, Dr Aapro said he remains committed to supporting UICC’s mission and helping advance cancer control worldwide.
Watch Dr Matti Aapro’s video message outlining his 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.o
The newly elected Board will help guide UICC’s work in global cancer control, including efforts to strengthen prevention, improve access to care, and support people affected by cancer worldwide.
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