A legacy of innovation and improving equity: Fujifilm’s commitment to cancer care

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. With about one in five people developing the disease in their lifetime, it is a reality we will all face – either as a patient or a loved one. While many inequities exist in accessing care, it is worth reflecting on the progress that is being made in understanding, preventing, detecting, and treating cancer – and how we can ensure that everyone, everywhere benefits from this progress.

2025 marks the 130th anniversary of the discovery of the X-ray, a transformative moment in radiology and our understanding of how to treat cancer. In the years since, the world has made powerful strides in detecting and diagnosing cancer, treating it with greater speed and accuracy.

Fujifilm is no different, with a rich legacy of transformative breakthroughs which advance human health. Since the launch of our first X-ray film in the 1930s, Fujifilm’s imaging, diagnostic and oncology solutions have helped to improve the early detection and diagnosis of cancer, when it is easier to treat successfully, as well as the quality of life and work of people living with cancer, their caregivers and clinicians.

We’re providing innovative imaging technology for mammography, AI-driven diagnostics for colorectal cancer, and further diagnostic tools across key clinical areas such as lung, gastrointestinal, and liver cancer. By integrating technologies in digital mammography, endoscopy, and blood-based assays and global screening initiatives, both patients and clinicians can better access reliable information to move forward through the cancer care pathway with confidence.

We know that there is much more to be done. As a leading global development and manufacturing partner, we are investing in expertise, technology, and capacity needed to bring innovative cancer therapies to patients. Another key area is enhancing the process of developing new therapies by providing essential raw materials such as cell, reagent and cell culture media, which helps to support the development and manufacture of timely, life-saving treatment.

Advancing equity in cancer care: a global challenge

Cancer knows no boundaries, and neither should access to care. Yet, with almost half of the world lacking access to suitable healthcare, and cancer treatment availability varying significantly around the world, advancing equity in treatment outcomes must be central to reducing the impact of cancer.

For too many people around the world, the journey of cancer begins not with care, but with barriers – geographical, economic, and systemic – that stand in the way of timely and effective interventions. Fujifilm stands with the mission of UICC to ensure that no one is left behind in the drive to improve access to prevention, early detection, treatment and care. 

As the next step in fulfilling this mission, our NURA health screening centres were launched from 2021.  NURA brings high-quality, AI-powered cancer and lifestyle disease screenings to more people in emerging countries. With centres in India, Mongolia, Vietnam and the UAE, we’re combining medical imaging technology with expert clinical interpretation, making early detection faster, more efficient, and more accessible. We’ve set the target to deliver screening centres in 100 locations by 2030. From enabling early detection in remote communities to enhancing precision diagnostics in advanced hospitals, we’re committed to taking steps to ensure that no cancer journey begins with unnecessary delays.

Taking Further Action

Earlier this year, the global cancer community marked World Cancer Day on 4 February, for which Fujifilm is proud to be a visionary partner for 2025-2027. 'United by Unique' theme of World Cancer Day 2025-2027 underscores a powerful truth: no two cancer journeys are the same, but we are strongest when we put people at the centre of care and decisions.

Together with UICC and our partners, we are committed to transforming cancer care for every individual patient through inspiring action, expanding access, and raising awareness. By working together, we can ensure every journey through this disease is met with dignity, hope, and strength.