Stella Bialous, Professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), has been named a candidate for the UICC Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
A public health researcher, nurse, and global health policy expert, Dr Bialous brings more than 30 years of international experience spanning tobacco control, cancer prevention, health policy, nursing leadership, and capacity building.
She has served on the UICC Board of Directors for the past four years and is seeking another term to continue contributing to UICC’s work in policy, advocacy, and capacity building.
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.
Stella Bialous’ Career in Global Health and Cancer Control
Dr Bialous began her career as a nurse in Brazil after receiving her nursing degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She later earned a Master’s in Nursing Sciences from The Johns Hopkins University and a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley.
Her career subsequently expanded into public health and health policy, with a particular focus on tobacco control and cancer prevention.
Dr Bialous has worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Secretariat of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, collaborating with colleagues across different regions to advance tobacco-control policies and implementation of the Convention.
She has also worked extensively on building the capacity of nurses worldwide to participate in health policy and leadership.
At UCSF, she teaches and conducts research locally and internationally. Her recent work includes integrating noncommunicable disease risk factors into communicable disease primary care.
Her research and publications have addressed tobacco-control policy and programmes, tobacco dependence treatment, capacity building across the cancer continuum, and the commercial determinants of health.
Why Stella Bialous Is Seeking a Second UICC Board Term
Reflecting on her first four years on the UICC Board, Dr Bialous described the experience as an opportunity to contribute her international and policy expertise to the organisation.
She participated in the review and development of UICC’s long-term plans, including the World Cancer Declaration 2025–2035, which incorporated input from UICC members.
“As we move into the next steps of supporting the implementation of the Declaration, I would like to continue to bring my skills in policy and advocacy, including the translation of evidence into policy practice, to the Board and to support UICC members.”
If re-elected, Dr Bialous said she would continue focusing on capacity building and policy and advocacy, particularly supporting members as they work to translate global cancer-control goals into practical action.
Strengthening the Role of Nurses in Cancer Control
A major focus of Dr Bialous’ candidacy is strengthening the role of nurses in global cancer prevention and control.
As one of the world’s largest groups of healthcare professionals, nurses are positioned across the cancer continuum, from prevention and early detection to treatment, survivorship, and policy leadership.
“I would also like to continue to be a voice for nurses, the largest group of health care professionals in the world, and pivotal for the achievement of the Declaration Goals.”
Dr Bialous said stronger policies and systems are needed to support nurses in taking on leadership roles and contributing to cancer prevention and early detection.
She also emphasised that these policy changes should be grounded in evidence and supported by sustainable health system approaches.
Bringing Global Health and Policy Experience to UICC
Dr Bialous has worked for more than three decades across high-, middle-, and low-income countries, collaborating with governments, non-governmental organisations, and academic institutions.
Her experience as a Brazilian-born professional based in the United States and working internationally has shaped her approach to multicultural and multidisciplinary collaboration.
She highlighted global health diplomacy as increasingly important for achieving shared health and development goals.
“Global Health Diplomacy is increasingly necessary to achieve common health and development goals.”
Her policy expertise includes development, implementation, and evaluation, which she said could support UICC’s efforts to advance the global cancer agenda and implement the goals of the World Cancer Declaration.
A Multilingual Perspective on Global Cancer Policy
Dr Bialous also brings multilingual and cross-cultural experience to her UICC candidacy. She is fluent in Portuguese, French, English, and Spanish, allowing her to communicate and build relationships across diverse regions and professional communities.
Her work with international organisations and health systems has given her experience navigating different policy environments and bringing together stakeholders with varied perspectives.
She said her commitment to UICC and its membership remains a central motivation for seeking another term.
Watch Dr Stella Bialous’ video message outlining her experience, priorities, and vision as she seeks another term on the UICC Board of Directors for 2026–2028.
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, policy and advocacy, health systems strengthening, capacity building, and global cancer control.
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