Uniting voices for cancer control: UICC’s regional gathering at the National Cancer Congress Malaysia
UICC’s side event at the National Cancer Congress Malaysia, organised by its member National Cancer Society Malaysia and Sunway University, united 30+ organisations from 14 countries to shape the future of cancer control, spotlight regional voices, and contribute to the 2025–2035 World Cancer Declaration.
HIGHLIGHTS
- UICC held a side event at the National Cancer Congress Malaysia, which was organised by its member National Cancer Society Malaysia and Sunway University, and united 30+ UICC member organisations from 14 Asia-Pacific countries to strengthen regional collaboration in cancer control.
- The event spotlighted the upcoming World Cancer Declaration (2025–2035), inviting input to ensure it reflects frontline realities, especially in LMICs.
- UICC celebrated rich discussions and reinforced the importance of inclusive global health dialogue.
On 21 June, UICC convened a dynamic side event alongside the National Cancer Congress Malaysia, which brought together over 30 UICC member organisations from 14 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. This gathering served as a platform to exchange expertise, elevate regional voices, and shape the future of regional and global cancer control.
The event featured an interactive format that encouraged open dialogue among cancer organisations, with a special address from Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, UICC President-elect. Her remarks underscored the importance of regional collaboration and the need to amplify the lived experiences of cancer communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
A key focus of the session was the upcoming World Cancer Declaration (2025–2035), which will replace the current version introduced in 2008. Participants were invited to contribute their insights to ensure the new Declaration reflects the realities and priorities of those working on the frontlines of cancer control.
About the National Cancer Congress Malaysia 2025
Hosted by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), a UICC member organisation, and Sunway University, the National Cancer Congress Malaysia 2025 took place from 20–22 June at Sunway University in Selangor. The Congress united healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to share insights, innovations, and best practices in cancer care.
Saunthari Somasundaram, President of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, and former UICC Board member opened the Congress:
“Integrated care is not about pulling people into our space — it is about meeting them in theirs. That means embedding cancer within broader NCD strategies. Within universal health coverage reforms, within climate, mental health, food systems, and urban planning. We must also go where the people are. Localised, place-based action. That’s how we become part of the fabric. The future of cancer control – if we want to get anywhere – is in the integrated world we build.”
Under the theme “Bridging Gaps, Building Hope, Empowering Lives,” the Congress addressed the full spectrum of cancer care—from prevention, screening, and diagnosis to treatment, survivorship, advocacy, and policy. A diverse range of plenary and scientific sessions featured expert speakers who shared their research findings and experiences, inspiring attendees and deepening understanding of the evolving landscape of cancer control.
UICC offered 30 travel grants to individuals from UICC member organisations across the Asia-Pacific region. These grants were fully funded and administered by NCSM.
Looking ahead, UICC encourages all members to share their reflections and photos from the Congress and UICC’s side event on UICC Connect. These contributions will help sustain momentum and foster continued collaboration across borders.
Among the UICC members who participated were the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre from Brunei Darussalam, Douleurs Sans Frontières, Calmette Hospital from Cambodia, the Indonesian Cancer Foundation from Indonesia, and the Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching MAKNA from Malaysia, which invited the UICC team to its headquarters for the occasion.
Last update
Thursday 03 July 2025
