"When others step back, we step forward": A mid-year message from the president of the UICC

As we move into the second half of the year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your hard work and gather our collective strength as we are entering a decisive time for global cancer control.

By 2050, we are likely to see 35 million new cancer cases every year. The fastest increase will hit low-and middle-income countries. Behind each and every one of these 35 million is a person – someone’s child, parent, partner, or friend. Every case places a heavy burden on families, communities, and economies.

This does not only create a ‘sense’ of urgency. The urgency is real.

This is a time that should call for unprecedented global coordination. Instead, we see the opposite. Long standing partnerships are being questioned. We see an abrupt halt in health-related projects in many countries The ripple effects are already being felt – including in areas such as access to vaccines, primary care, and early disease detection.

These shifts risk weakening essential health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income settings, and make it harder to maintain continuity in cancer prevention and care.

At the same time, research is being defunded and trust in science is being undermined. Years of progress are now at risk.

In this moment, our role as a global cancer community is more important than ever. When others step back, we step forward. We must continue to drive progress through partnerships, through persistence and through a shared commitment to equity and science.

That is exactly what we have seen across the UICC community this year.

Thanks to your efforts:

• World Cancer Day engaged over 100 countries amplifying the voices of those affected by cancer.
• The Cancer Planners Forum brought together public health officials, cancer planning experts, and decision-makers to share strategies for implementing strong national cancer strategies.
• The ATOM Coalition celebrated three years since its launch in May 2022 improving access to affordable cancer medicines, notably with new agreements in Uganda, Mongolia and El Salvador.
• As part of its leading role in the Lung Cancer Collaboration, working with members and partners, UICC supported the landmark resolution on integrated lung health adopted at the World Health Assembly in May.

These are not symbolic achievements. They are tangible proof that when we work together, we can shift policy, build capacity and save lives. Thank you!

Now, we must channel our force to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead. Looking at the upcoming months, we face two crucial tasks.

First, the UN high-level meeting on NCDs is approaching quickly. The draft of the political declaration is in circulation. A final push from our community can help secure stronger commitments to cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. So please, if you can, engage your national delegations and make your voices heard.

Second, we are in the middle of shaping the next World Cancer Declaration. The consultation process with members is already helping define a framework that is both visionary and grounded in real-world needs.

This new declaration will not only inspire action but also serve as a practical tool for advocacy and accountability. With clear targets, guiding principles, and a shared commitment to equity, it aims to drive measurable progress by 2035.

The input of our members is already helping define priorities that reflect the diversity of cancer challenges and opportunities across regions, and for those who would like to learn more, join one of our Virtual Dialogues on 22 July. Thank you for your continued engagement—your expertise ensures this declaration will be not just aspirational, but actionable.

In uncertain times, we do not wait for conditions to improve. We organise. We collaborate. We act.

Thank you for your leadership, your energy and your commitment.

Let’s make the second half of 2025 count!