UHC and cancer control series

The delivery of universal health coverage (UHC) could help to address many of the persistent and wide reaching inequities in cancer control. As the second leading cause of morality globally, cancer services must be included in national UHC benefit packages and financial protection mechanisms. The scale of the challenge requires a comprehensive and sustainable response to the growing human and economic cost already being borne by communities and health systems.  

However, including cancer control services UHC this is unlikely to happen unless all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the scale of the issue and the solutions and tools available. The second UN High-Level Meeting on UHC in September 2023 will provide an exciting opportunity for cancer advocates to engage with governments, highlight the inequities faced by communities and advocate for change.  

In this series, UICC brought together a diverse group of experts, including policymakers, healthcare providers, advocates, and patients, to share their insights and perspectives on how the cancer community can advocate for universal health coverage to include key cancer control measures. Over the course of the series, participants explored:  

• How can we improve cancer prevention and health promotion in UHC benefit packages and what are the opportunities to collaborate with different groups to create a health-promoting environment?  

• How can we ensure that cancer detection and diagnosis services are accessible and affordable to everyone who needs them, including vulnerable populations?  

• What are the policy interventions that can promote equitable and sustainable cancer care, and how can we better track progress towards? 

• How can UHC be used to improve access to palliative and supportive care services, during treatment and beyond?