Cancer Planners Forum 2026
The Cancer Planners Forum is an invitation-only event, dedicated to positioning national cancer control plans as strategic investments in the future of countries. This second edition was held on 13-15 May 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland — at the Pavillon Gallatin.
Cancer Planners Forum 2026 brought together national cancer control planners from around the world for a focused, invitation-only exchange on strengthening cancer strategies as long-term investments in health systems. Initiated by UICC in 2025, and organised 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), the Forum offers a dedicated space for peer learning and practical collaboration.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the second Cancer Planners Forum took place from 13–15 May 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Pavillon Gallatin. The 2026 edition welcomed 120 participants from 54 countries, including 45 cancer control planners from 42 countries, the vast majority joining the initiative for the first time, alongside international experts and partners.
Through interactive discussions, case studies and peer exchange, participants explored practical approaches to strengthening national cancer control plans and advancing access to essential cancer services for all.
2026 Programme
The Forum was highly interactive and combined plenary sessions, country case studies, and facilitated group discussions.
Key themes included:
- Core elements of effective NCCPs and alignment with global initiatives.
- Setting objectives and priorities for cancer control.
- Policy, advocacy, and legal frameworks supporting the implementation of cancer control plans.
- Data, cancer registries and measuring inequalities to inform decision-making processes.
- Investment, implementation and monitoring, including stakeholder engagement and evaluation.
The programme was developed by a Programme Advisory Committee with input from UICC, WHO, IARC, IAEA, and ICCP partners.
Schedule
WELCOME DAY
- 17:00 – 17:30 – Participants arrival
- 17:30 – 19:00 – Welcome addresses & Reception
FORUM DAY 1
- 08:00 – 08:45 – Participants arrival & Welcome Coffee
- 08:45 – 17:00 – Presentations, networking time, on-stage country experiences, table discussions on:
- Core elements of the NCCP
- Setting objectives and priorities
- Alignment with WHO best buys
- Alignment with global initiatives
- Policy/Advocacy/Legal Frameworks
- Measuring inequalities
- Making the investment case
- Resources Mobilisation and budgeting
- 17:00 – 19:00 – Reception at Jardin de Penthes
FORUM DAY 2
- 08:00 – 08:25 – Welcome coffee
- 08:25 – 16:30 – Presentations, Networking time, on-stage country experiences, table discussions on:
- NCCPs key stakeholders / governance
- Developing an implementation framework
- Data and registries
- Monitoring, evaluation and learning process
- The Future of NCCPs
- 16:30 – Forum closing
Contact us for more information
For enquiries regarding the Cancer Planners Forum: Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) at events@uicc.org
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Previous Forum: Cancer Planners Forum 2025
The first edition of the Cancer Planners Forum was held in 2025 and marked the first global meeting of its kind dedicated specifically to cancer control planners.
To learn more about the outcomes of the first edition:
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The Cancer Planners Forum is a global gathering dedicated to individuals responsible for developing and implementing National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs).
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”.
Last update
Monday 18 May 2026