Blog 02 February 2024 3min read World Cancer Day: A call to fight for change Author(s): Cary Adams Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Born in London, Cary Adams has a BSc Honours degree in Economics, Computing and Statistics, a Masters degree (with distinction) in Business Administration. He is a Harvard Business School alumni and has received two Honorary Doctorates in International Relations and Health. In 2009, Cary made a career change, moving from the management of international businesses in the banking sector to become CEO of UICC, based in Geneva – the largest international cancer NGO of its kind with more than 1,150 member organisations in over 170 countries and territories. Read the full biography Olivier Nataf Global Head, Oncology, Sanofi Olivier Nataf is the Global Head of Oncology at Sanofi. Olivier joined Sanofi in May 2023 and has more than 20 years of industry experience leading Global strategy across therapeutic areas in France and the U.S., as well as emerging markets. In his current role as Global Head of Oncology at Sanofi, Olivier is responsible for creating and implementing the integrated vision for Sanofi’s oncology franchise. As the global cancer community unites for World Cancer Day on February 4, 2024, we are reminded just how far we’ve come in the fight against this devastating disease – from the earliest research of cancer epidemiology to better understand the disease, to recent advancements like cutting-edge diagnostics, screening tools and new therapeutic approaches. One important lesson the entire cancer community knows is united we are stronger. Since 2022, UICC's World Cancer Day 'Close the Care Gap' campaign has built on this knowledge and has tracked progress made – in its many forms – to help allow more patients to seek and receive the care they need and deserve. Close the Care Gap has provided the momentum to fuel the UICC’s fight for fairness at every stage of the care journey, from initial diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. And it’s paved the path for building stronger alliances and innovative new collaborations between patient advocacy organisations and industry, as well as mobilising friends, family, coworkers and communities. This year’s World Cancer Day is a poignant call-to-action to come together, raise our voices and engage our leaders to demand a commitment to prioritising cancer. And this requires action across every level in the industry and health care systems. Governments and health systems can recognise and consider the specific needs and cultural contexts of certain populations to ensure equal access. Individuals can reach out to their local advocacy organisations to get involved in advocating for a greater focus on cancer. Companies can rally together and amplify the voices of the community to advocate for positive change. Sanofi and UICC are equally committed to addressing the challenges experienced by those living with cancer throughout their care journey. Through collaboration with stakeholders across the global cancer community, our unified goal is to prioritise patients and to foster policies that enable access to innovation and ensure patients get the care they need. In partnership with UICC, Sanofi and others across the oncology community are proud of our collective efforts and commitment to understand key areas of unmet needs and embed the patient voice in our work, informed by insights from the cancer community. It’s important we remember the patients who stand to benefit from innovations and greater access to care. For example, UICC’s Virtual Dialogues connects the cancer community, provides opportunities to exchange knowledge, access expert insights and share solutions. Similarly, Sanofi’s global initiative A Million Conversations seeks to rebuild trust in healthcare among underrepresented communities by hosting dialogue events with people who have experienced discrimination in healthcare, representatives from local health organisations and even Sanofi employees. A Million Conversations aims to change policy and attitudes within the industry. The thread that connects our work in cancer research and cancer care has been an unwavering commitment to listening and better understanding the needs of people whose lives have been touched by cancer in some way. These individuals are instrumental in shaping the work we do collectively, and their determination drives us to do more to ensure no one is left behind. Author(s): Cary Adams Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Born in London, Cary Adams has a BSc Honours degree in Economics, Computing and Statistics, a Masters degree (with distinction) in Business Administration. He is a Harvard Business School alumni and has received two Honorary Doctorates in International Relations and Health. In 2009, Cary made a career change, moving from the management of international businesses in the banking sector to become CEO of UICC, based in Geneva – the largest international cancer NGO of its kind with more than 1,150 member organisations in over 170 countries and territories. Read the full biography Olivier Nataf Global Head, Oncology, Sanofi Olivier Nataf is the Global Head of Oncology at Sanofi. Olivier joined Sanofi in May 2023 and has more than 20 years of industry experience leading Global strategy across therapeutic areas in France and the U.S., as well as emerging markets. In his current role as Global Head of Oncology at Sanofi, Olivier is responsible for creating and implementing the integrated vision for Sanofi’s oncology franchise. Tags Sanofi World Cancer Day Close the care gap Equity Last update Friday 16 February 2024 Share this page
