Cancer Planners Forum

The first edition of the forum took place from 14-16 May 2025 at Pavillon Gallatin, Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme “Cancer control planning as an investment in the future of a country”.

Cancer Planners Forum in Geneva, May 2025

The Cancer Planners Forum was the first global gathering dedicated to individuals responsible for developing and implementing National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs). Organised by UICC in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP) partners, the Forum provided a unique space for cancer control planners to exchange experiences, share best practices, and strengthen their approach to cancer planning. This event was by invitation only.

Governments worldwide are increasingly recognising cancer control planning as an investment in the future of their countries. NCCPs are essential tools for guiding national responses to cancer, yet their implementation and effectiveness vary significantly. The Forum aimed to address these gaps by fostering collaboration, promoting data-driven decision-making, and ensuring that cancer control plans are comprehensive, well-funded, and effectively implemented.

Cancer Planners Forum

Cancer Planners Forum - Report 2025 cover
Author(s):
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
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A dynamic, hands-on programme 

The Cancer Planners Forum was a highly interactive event, featuring plenary sessions, case studies, working group discussions, and networking opportunities. Participants engaged in sessions covering:

  • Best practices in developing and implementing NCCPs
  • The investment case for national cancer control planning
  • Case studies on successful national cancer responses
  • The role of cancer registries and data-driven decision-making
  • The impact of law and policy on cancer control

The programme was developed by a Programme Advisory Committee composed of experts from UICC, WHO, IARC, IAEA, and ICCP partners.

Programme of the forum

14 to 16 May 2025
Day 1 – Wed 14 May

WELCOME DAY

  • 09:00 – 17:00 – WHO workshops (costing tool, childhood cancer and other key initiatives) 
     

  • 17:00 – 17:30 – Participants arrival 
  • 17:30 – 17:45 – Welcome addresses
  • 17:45 – 20:00 – Welcome reception
Day 2 – Thu 15 May

FORUM DAY 1

  • 08:15 – 08:45 – Welcome coffee

  • 08:45 – 16:25 – Presentations, networking time, on-stage country experiences, table discussions on:

    • Make the investment case

    • Key components of success

    • Key stakeholders

    • Setting objectives and priorities

    • The EU Beating Cancer plan

  • 17:00 – 17:10 – Group photograph

  • 17:30 – 19:00 – Reception including at the venue with guests from the Geneva health community

Day 3 – Fri 16 May

FORUM DAY 2

  • 08:30 – 08:25 – Welcome coffee

  • 08:25 – 17:35 – Presentations, Networking time, on-stage country experiences, table discussions on:

    • WHO costing tool

    • How to cost an NCCP

    • Key components of implementation

    • Effective monitoring, evaluation and learning process

    • Legislative Frameworks and Policy Coherence

  • 17:40 – Closure of the Forum

Who attended?

The Forum brought together over 100 individuals working in cancer control, including:

  • National and regional cancer control planners (up to two per country)
  • Experts from UICC, WHO, IARC, IAEA, and ICCP partners
  • Representatives from Forum sponsors
  • Invited experts and guest speakers

This was a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, and exchange ideas with professionals working at the forefront of cancer control planning.

Objectives of the Forum

  • Equip cancer control planners with new knowledge and a network of common interest individuals to improve cancer control plans globally
  • Improve access to essential resources for NCCP development and implementation
  • Drive more funding into cancer control planning and implementation, positioning cancer control plans as an “investment in the future of a country” 
  • Encourage cross border collaboration between countries who face similar challenges in cancer control
  • Set out and encourage best practices in measurement and evaluation
  • Create a sustainable network of partner and stakeholder organisations.

Continuing collaboration and impact

Following the Forum, UICC have launched an online community for continued collaboration among participants. The aim is to sustain the momentum and further enhance national cancer control planning efforts.

 

Contact us for more information

For more details about the Cancer Planners Forum, please reach out to francina@uicc.org

Contact us

 

Organised by

Founded in 1933 and based in Geneva, UICC has over 1150 member organisations in 172 countries and territories. The membership base includes the world’s major cancer leagues and societies, research institutes, treatment centres, hospitals, ministries of health, public health agencies and patient support groups. UICC’s mission is to both unite and support the cancer community in its efforts to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity and ensure that cancer control remains a priority on the global health and development agenda. 

 

In partnership with

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. They direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And they promote healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age.

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The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is part of the World Health Organization. Its mission is to coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to develop scientific strategies for cancer control. 

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The IAEA is the world's centre for cooperation in the nuclear field, promoting the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology. It works in a wide range of areas including energy generation, health, food and agriculture and environmental protection.

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ICCP is a group of organisations engaged in supporting country cancer control planning efforts. Through the ICCP, these organisations, including the WHO, CDC, NCI-USA, and UICC, are committed to working together to ensure that all countries have a well-resourced, quality cancer control plan, integrated with non-communicable disease control efforts. One of the primary examples of this is the ICCP Portal – a one-stop shop for cancer prevention and control planning.

 

Supported by

City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) supports cities around the world as they work to improve access to equitable, quality cancer care. 

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of their founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three main therapy areas - Oncology, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Diseases and Respiratory. The Company also is selectively active in the areas of autoimmunity, neuroscience and infection. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.  

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives through the discovery, development and manufacture of healthcare products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines, as well as many of the world’s best-known consumer healthcare products. We work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. We collaborate with healthcare providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable healthcare around the world.

For more than a century, MSD, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bring forward medicines and vaccines for the world’s most challenging diseases.  MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA. Through their prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products, they work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. MSD also demonstrates their commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, MSD continues to be at the forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world - including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola.

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) represents the biopharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 36 national associations, 40 leading pharmaceutical companies and a growing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), EFPIA’s mission is to create a collaborative environment that enables our members to innovate, discover, develop and deliver new therapies and vaccines for people across Europe, as well as contribute to the European economy.

Varian Medical Systems’ mission is to focus energy on saving lives. To meet this challenge, they equip the world with new tools for fighting cancer. Since the 1950s they have been producing tools that harness the power of X-ray energy to benefit humankind. Varian’s history is one of pioneering developments in the fields of radiotherapy, radiosurgery, X-ray tube technology, digital image detectors, cargo screening, and non-destructive testing. Today, they have a robust product portfolio and long-standing relationships with many of the world’s leading clinicians. As Varian continues to grow, their staff of over 6,500 people in 70 sales and support offices around the globe is developing innovative, cost-effective solutions that help make the world a healthier place.

Accuray Incorporated invents, manufactures and supports a complete portfolio of radiation therapy and radiosurgery platforms, including the CyberKnife®, TomoTherapy®, Radixact™ and Onrad™ Systems, for treating multiple forms of cancer including the most common or complex forms of cancer diagnosed throughout the world. They surround their platforms with a full range of expert services that their customers confidently leverage to drive the outcomes that matter most to them — optimizing patient care, enabling staff efficiency and sustaining practice prosperity. Accuray designs its tumor treatment solutions in collaboration with oncology professionals who share their goals of continuously improving care and helping patients live long and healthy lives. They work passionately to create a future without the fear, pain or human suffering of cancer.

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Last update

Friday 13 June 2025

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