Roche recognises women as change agents in oncology

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, UICC partner Roche is launching the Women As Change Agents in Oncology report celebrating women from around the world who are making remarkable contributions in reducing the devastating impact cancer has upon individuals and societies. These women are providing hope and inspiration through their determination to change the future of cancer care. Throughout history, whether as scientists, healthcare professionals, patients advocates, caregivers or patients, women have played a vital role in the fight against cancer.

The report, produced by Roche and initially discussed at the UICC Partners’ Day 2015 in Istanbul, was inspired by three hypotheses:

1. Women are disproportionately impacted by cancer, both directly and indirectly, increasing the burden cancer places on society
2. Women are a valuable source of positive change in efforts to reduce the global cancer burden
3. Maximising the potential of women can help to advance the fight against cancer

The stories and perspectives of some of today’s inspirational women included in the report provide a real-world insight into some of the greatest areas of need in oncology and ways in which they could be addressed. Roche hopes these stories will spark a conversation on the value innovation brings to the healthcare system, and to society as a whole, by examining the role women can play in advancing this dialogue. 

However, the report also highlights the disproportionate impact cancer has on women directly as patients and indirectly as caregivers, as well as the substantial consequence this has for healthcare systems and broader societies worldwide. 
"Women’s leadership has some important features that are reflected in the stories here. Each of these women demonstrates the important ability to see a gap in knowledge, treatment or care and to set and reach goals associated with closing that gap…" explains Professor Sanchia Aranda, President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

By celebrating the outstanding contributions of women as change agents in oncology, this report aims to inspire readers to work together creatively and harness the power of women to help reduce the disproportionate burden cancer places on societies today.

Download the full report by clicking here.