Jeff Dunn on his presidency: Two years of progress and resilience

As Prof. Jeff Dunn AO concludes his presidency at UICC, he reflects on the challenges and achievements of this period, from navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care to advancing global cancer initiatives, looks forward to UICC’s continued progress under new leadership.

As I reflect on my two-year presidency at UICC, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. It has been an incredible experience, marked by significant achievements and personal challenges. It is with great honour that I pass the baton to my esteemed successor, Ulrika, who I am confident will continue to lead UICC with dedication and vision.

When I assumed the presidency in October 2022, the world was still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic had disrupted cancer care globally, and our member organisations faced unprecedented challenges. They have also shown remarkable resilience, and I believe we have emerged stronger and more united in our mission to reduce the global cancer burden.

A recent membership survey has revealed high levels of satisfaction among our members, and this feedback is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team in ensuring that we meet the needs of our diverse membership.

One of the highlights of my presidency was witnessing the return to in-person events, which my predecessor, Prof. Anil D'Cruz, did not have the opportunity to experience. The cancer community came together as colleagues, associates, friends, members, and partners at the World Cancer Congress in Geneva in 2022 and the World Cancer Leaders' Summit in Long Beach in 2023. The pleasure of meeting again in person only reinforced the importance of face-to-face interactions in driving progress and innovation in cancer control.

Last year, UICC celebrated 90 years of commitment to improving access to quality cancer services for everyone around the world. The past two years were notable in this regard for the World Cancer Day ‘Close the care gap’ campaign focused on disparities in cancer care, and advocating for equitable access to treatment and prevention measures worldwide.

Several initiatives have focused on reducing the burden of breast and cervical cancers, particularly in low-resource settings, and have emphasised the importance of early detection and vaccination programmes.

UICC has also been actively involved in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its impact on cancer treatment and people living with cancer, who are particularly vulnerable to infection.

I myself have struggled with a drug-resistant infection as a cancer patient, having been diagnosed two months before I became president with high-risk and advanced Mantle Cell Lymphoma. This diagnosis brought a new perspective to my work in cancer control. I experienced firsthand the importance of access to world-class treatment and the critical role of research in developing new therapies. The support and solidarity I received from the global cancer community were overwhelming and deeply appreciated.

As I reflect on the past two years, I am proud of what we have accomplished together, the cancer community, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our members, partners, and the UICC team for their unwavering support and commitment.

It has been a privilege to serve as your president, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to our shared mission in new ways. I am excited for the future of UICC and the continued progress we will make in reducing the global cancer burden.

* Prof. Jeff Dunn AO will be succeeded by Ulrika Årehed Kågström as UICC President on 8 October 2024.