Advocacy

In 2020, an estimated 10 million people died prematurely from cancer. It is expected that by 2030, this number will rise to nearly 13 million. This alarming trend can be reversed with strong action at global and national levels. 

Woman holding a publication open with the title "How do we think the governments should respond?"

UICC is the only organisation of its type globally dedicated to uniting and working with the cancer community. It has the unique capability to unite voices from around the world. UICC’s pledge to its members is to ensure that they have the opportunity and the channels to have their voices heard on the global stage and that the latest updates in the global health space will be curated and shared with them. 

UICC works across the policy cycle to help bring together the evidence base for effective cancer control, develop tools to support national advocacy and share examples of successful policy change.

Knowledge, Advocacy and Policy cycle

 

 

Knowledge – bringing together the evidence-base for effective cancer control.

Advocacy – influencing decision makers and other stakeholders to change policies to improve cancer outcomes.

Policy– Developing and implementing policies and programmes to improve cancer and health outcomes.

Cancer control advocacy is the strategic process of influencing governments, decision-makers and other key stakeholders to develop commitments, plans and policies, and allocate the resources needed to drive change.

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WHA69 - UICC Side Event on Cancer Control

The past decade has seen the creation of a global framework to drive improvements in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for cancer patients and people living with other NCDs. UICC is proud to have been an active partner in this process.

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Latest news and blog articles about advocacy

A parent's perspective on the urgent need for innovation and policy reform to fight infections

Close-up of the hand of a hospital patient in bed, receiving an IV
By:
John Alter

Podcast "Let's talk cancer": Inequities in access to essential medicines and global shortages

Pharmacist taking box of pills

Air pollution: an existential crisis reversing decades of progress in cancer control

Crowd of men and women with hands to their faces as they walk through a heavily polluted area marked by black smoke in Lagos, Nigeria.

UICC urges action on World No Tobacco Day to prevent 2.5 million tobacco-related cancer deaths

Used cigarette butts polluting the ground

How tobacco and lung cancer are related in Mexico: a story without a happy ending

Creative image design of a hand holding a cigarette and a young man holding out his arm to say no
By:
Kenji Lopez Cuevas

Podcast "Let's talk cancer": Tobacco and alcohol – manipulative marketing and how to counter it

 Hands of a man and a woman holding a glass of alcohol and cigarettes
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Key advocacy resources

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UICC
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Global Cancer Commitments Navigator
Author(s):
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
Author(s):
UICC
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Testimonials about the importance of the advocacy work

"We are proud to call ourselves one of the first partners of UICC. UICC called on our expertise in the area of cancer prevention for the global advocacy campaign. Together, UICC and its members have successfully placed cancer on the global stage, putting the cancer community in position for even greater success in the years to come.”
Dr Kate Allen, Director, Science and Communications
"Accurate and timely diagnosis is the first enemy of cancer, as it clips its potential from the outset and halts it from invading and conquering the whole body. Unfortunately, many cancer patients, especially in the developing world, do not have this safety net, and are completely exposed to cancer’s advances without any checks. We need a robust cancer resolution that encourages fast improvements in early detection and diagnosis through a clear and urgent health system response."
HRH Princess Dina Mired
Flags in front of the United Nations building in Geneva, Switzerland

UICC aims to advance cancer control on a large scale to improve the lives of millions of people across the world

People shaking hands at the World Cancer Congress 2022

Political will and a national strategy that prioritises targeted investments in cancer control as well as action at the international level can reduce the global cancer burden. 

Patient receiving chemotherapy in Kenya

A comprehensive plan is a prerequisite for effective and efficient action on health nationally. There are two key areas where UICC is helping advance discussions and action on cancer control planning.

Anil D'Cruz, now UICC's Immediate-Past-President launching the ATOM Coalition in May 2022

UICC has created several new organisations and initiatives to address long-term public health challenges and unmet needs.

Young Leader at workshop

The Young Leaders programme is a unique opportunity to be part of a global network of inspiring and ambitious young leaders in cancer control.

Last update

Friday 17 February 2023

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