Vicki Durston, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), shared on LinkedIn:
“Connecting Globally, Advancing Change | Reflections from UICC
What an incredibly thought-provoking few days at the UICC World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong.
The opportunity to contribute, listen and connect with cancer leaders from across the world has left me reflecting on the conversations whilst also reinforcing the work already underway in Australia, and others opening up new possibilities.
A few standouts.
I had the privilege of joining a panel chaired by Sanchia Aranda on The Power of Partnership: Unlocking Transformational Change through Lived Experience Leadership.
We explored what it takes to move beyond participation to genuine influence.
‘For me, lived experience is not simply a perspective we invite into the room. It is expertise.’
Data was another important theme.
A session chaired by Richard Sullivan, including a terrific presentation and discussion with Ajay Aggarwal and a great panel, reinforcing the importance not only of better cancer data, but of the infrastructure, and political will required to collect, connect and use it.
This connected strongly with our advocacy for a Multijurisdictional Cancer Registry in Australia.
It was great to hear Professor Dorothy Keefe was also able to highlight the importance of strong data systems. It was significant to see data featuring so strongly across the Congress and being considered from different perspectives.
A discussion with Karen Canfell added another dimension: integration.
Karen’s leadership and her team in the global effort towards cervical cancer elimination is extraordinary. Our discussion about greater integration and the possibilities is truly exciting.
Access to medicines was another significant focus.
We hosted a global discussion bringing together advocates all over the world to share the challenges in accessing cancer medicines and consider where greater collective advocacy can be amplified.
It was incredibly special to see the global version launch of ‘Conquering Breast Cancer’ film at UICC.
‘Perhaps what I valued most was the connection.’
The opportunity to listen to people working in very different countries and health systems. To understand their challenges. To learn from what is working – and what isn’t. To test our own thinking, share our experiences and create meaningful relationships.
It is a privilege to see BCNA Helena Rodi sharing her work from Deakin University.
I leave Hong Kong with more to think about, much to learn, and always more to do.”
You can also read: Highlights from World Cancer Congress 2026
