History of UICC

The origins of UICC

In 1933, cancer researchers recognised the need to share knowledge and expertise globally and so founded the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

The occasion was a cancer congress in Madrid, during which Dr Jacques Bandaline declared:

"I wish to move a motion calling for the creation of an international organisation to promote the fight against cancer through research, therapy and the development of social activities."

Dr Bandaline's proposal was voted unanimously and greeted by prolonged applause.

The need for an international organisation to cope with the cancer burden and to attempt to control the disease had been felt for several years.

Since then, UICC has grown to embrace organisations engaged in all aspects of cancer prevention and control: voluntary cancer societies, research and treatment centres, public health authorities, patient support networks and advocacy groups, and ministries of health.

UICC in the new millennium

Over the years, UICC has fostered the development of cancer institutions, the sharing and exchange of knowledge, the transfer of skills and technologies, and the education of professionals engaged in cancer control.

In the 21st century, UICC has embarked on new directions, with convening, capacity building, and knowledge, advocacy and policy at the core of its activities. UICC continues its tradition as a solidly science-based organisation, while putting greater emphasis on the public health perspective and the quality of life of people living with cancer.

Without the efforts of members, partners, donors and cancer experts throughout the world, UICC would not be able to have such a wide-reaching impact in global cancer control.

Read the full history:

Recent milestones

UICC Past Presidents

Term	President name and nationality
1935 – 1953	Mr Justin Godart (France)
1953 – 1958	Professor J.H. Maisin (Belgium)
1958 – 1962	Dr V. Khanolkar (India)
1962 – 1966	Professor A. Haddow (U.K.)
1966 – 1970	Dr N.N. Blokhin (Russia)
1970 – 1973	Dr W.U. Gardner (U.S.A.)
1973 – 1978	Professor P. Denoix (France)
1978 – 1982	Professor U. Veronesi (Italy)
1982 – 1986	Professor A.C.C. Junqueira (Brazil)
1986 – 1990	Professor C.G. Schmidt (Germany)
1990 – 1994	Professor S. Eckhardt (Hungary)

Term	President name and nationality
1994 – 1998	Dr N.J. Gray (Australia)
1998 – 2002	Dr E. Robinson (Israel)
2002 – 2006	Dr John Seffrin (U.S.A.)
2006 – 2008	Dr Franco Cavalli (Switzerland)
2008 – 2010	Dr David Hill (Australia)
2010 – 2012	Dr Eduardo Cazap (Argentina)
2012 – 2014	Professor Mary Gospodarowicz (Canada)
2014 – 2016	Professor Tezer Kutluk (Turkey)
2016 – 2018	Professor Sanchia Aranda (Australia)
2018 – 2020	H.R.H. Princess Dina Mired of Jordan (Jordan)

UICC Secretary-Generals/Chief Executives

The Secretary-General position was eliminated in 2002 after a change of UICC's constitution. UICC is now lead by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Term	Name and nationality
1935 – 1953	Professor J.H. Maisin (Belgium)
1953 – 1963	Dr H. Dorn (U.S.A.)
1964 – 1966	Dr M.J. Shear (U.S.A.)
1966 – 1974	Dr R.M. Taylor (Canada)
1974 – 2000	Dr G.P. Murphy (U.S.A.)
Jan. 2000 – Sept. 2000	Dr L.J. Denis (Belgium)
Sept. 2000 – July 2002	Dr S. Kvinnsland (Norway)
July 2002 – Sept. 2009	Mrs Isabel Mortara (Italy) as Executive Director
Sept. 2009 – now	Dr Cary Adams (United Kingdom) as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)