UICC

Wahid Al Kharusi
Chairperson
Oman Cancer Association

Muscat, Oman

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

Convinced with the excellent work and results of UICC, and my conviction that defeating cancers is in the concept of prevention and control especially in creation of awareness, human resource development, and research, and my commitment to performing what I believe in, I am sure that I will prove to be an excellent candidate for the board of UICC.

I am a professional, respectable, with a high sense of personal integrity, innovative, respect for diversity, with compassion and passion with what I am involved with.

My background as a clinician and as a diplomat with international connections together as a husband of a four times cancer survivor I am convinced I will be able to share my experiences. Hence my membership in the board will be effective in promoting the UICC policies, especially in the regions that are mostly affected and poorly addressing the cancer status.

My network and experience nationally and globally, especially with the ICPC (International Cancer Prevention Consortium) and with my relationship with all the stakeholders will support the building of a strong and a cohesive infrastructure for cancer prevention and control at all levels.

Sally Cowal
Senior Vice President, Global Cancer Control,
American Cancer Society

Washington DC, United States

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

I would like to be on the Board to contribute my experience in public policy and public health to fighting the global cancer battle. Where you live shouldn’t determine if you live! I know how to get things done to amplify cancer control advocacy messages and programme implementation both at country-level and above country level through living and working in Latin America, the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia and being the Director of External Relations at UNAIDS as the AIDS pandemic grew. Under my leadership, we got HIV AIDS prevention and control on the radar screen of policy makers around the world. We need to do the same for cancer, today a bigger burden of disease than AIDS, but one which is only marginally talk about and which lacks resources. Cancer in Africa is a more feared and more stigmatised disease than HIV. UICC can lead the fight to change this reality. I have spent the last two decades in key positions at leading civil society organisations such as the American Cancer Society. I would like to be on the Board to share the lessons of non-profit management from these organisations to make UICC the most powerful voice in the cancer world. To be successful in controlling the global cancer tsunami we need a powerful message and a good organisation. I would like to contribute to both.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

During my first term on the UICC Board (2017-18) I have had an opportunity to serve on three key committees: Governance, Membership and the ad hoc steering committee on strategic planning. If re-elected to the next term I will be able to get right to work on the major challenges and opportunities to implementing the vision outlined for UICC in the new strategic plan, which I helped to develop. Continuity is also an issue at UICC as several board members are term-limited. I would serve as an experienced hand to assist the President and President-Elect in carrying out their mandate. Substantively, I can and will contribute to the UICC advocacy priorities such as the elimination of cervical cancer and treatment for all as the American Cancer Society senior executive responsible for ACS global work in these same areas. I am a member of the WHO expert committee on the implementation of the cancer resolution passed by the WHA in 2017.

Daiming Fan
President,
China Anti-Cancer Association (CACA)

Beijing, China

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

In the past 30 years, the world cancer incidence has been increasing at the rate of annual average of 3%-5%. Especially in China, cancer has been accounted for more than 20% of overall deaths and about 4 million people are diagnosed with cancer in 2015. 

As we all know, UICC is the leading cancer NGO in the worldwide. It has strong mission which is dedicated to unite the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, to promote greater equity, and to integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda. The World Cancer Declaration launched by UICC has become the strategic plan for global cancer control which provides the direction and guideline to cancer societies from all over the world.

Facing to the challenge of global cancer burden, I, Daiming Fan, as the President of CACA, the Academician member and Vice President of Chinese Academy of Engineering, Vice President of Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology, and the Executive Board Member of Asia Oncology Society, have the responsibility to make efforts to promote cancer control not only in China, but also in the world. I do hope I could play a more critical role in spreading UICC ideal, taking action on cancer prevention and control, and to reach the goal of reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates in China through working along with UICC. 

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

As the candidate of UICC Board of Directors, I am passionate for contributing myself to realise the vision of UICC. I am not only an oncologist, but also a gastroenterologist. My research concentrates on GI tract including gastrointestinal cancers, colon and other diseases. I am not only a clinician, but also a basic research scientist. Since 1989, I have published over 600 international journal articles and 24 books, and obtained 56 international and domestic invention patents. I am not only the leader in scientific research institutes, but I am also taking the leaderships in Chinese government, such as the VP of Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Committee Member of the National People’s Congress of China. 

Last July, I was elected to be the President of CACA. CACA is a leading cancer NGO in China. During my presidency, CACA rapidly expands its network with individual members increased from 50,000 to 150,000, 16 new professional societies set up. There are 31 local anti-cancer associations across China. In 2018, CACA establishes branches in U.S., Australia, and Hong Kong and Macao area respectively. UICC China spoke is located in CACA. 

CACA attaches high importance to seeking for business partnerships to improve capacity building, and has obtained sufficient financial supports. CACA is turning to be the most influential cancer NGO both in China and the world. If I join in the Board, I will devote myself and be faithful to be the board member of UICC.

Nick Grant
Executive Director, International Partnerships
Cancer Research UK

London, United Kingdom

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

Cancer is now recognised as a global health and development priority. The coming years bring an enormous opportunity for us to make progress globally, leveraging new funding and partners around the world. They also bring a drive towards greater alignment in the global fight against cancer, to more collaboration and partnership, and to a greater focus on equity. Working for a large cancer society like Cancer Research UK, I am passionate about how the global cancer community can collaborate more closely, learn from each other and build common approaches to tackle the disease globally, as well as tackling the specific issues in our own countries.

I have served as a member of the UICC Board for the last two years, playing an active role in both the Board and a number of sub-committees and played an active role in the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit and World Cancer Congress. I have been inspired by the work of the organisation and of its members, and by the desire to innovate and continue to grow the ambition. Being a member of the Board has helped me to join the dots between the work of my organisation and the global fight against cancer. I am passionate about finding new opportunities for collaboration and finding ways to bring together the exceptional talent and experience that exists in member organisations around the world.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

As a current Board member, I would look to bring continuity in terms of Board involvement and in the implementation of both existing UICC plans and the new UICC strategy which will be shared at this Congress. In the last two years, in addition to contributing to the Board, I have contributed as a member of the Partnerships Committee, the Capacity Building Committee, and as part of the Strategy Task Force and McCabe Task Force.

My career has given me experience of commercial and non-profit organisations in a number of sectors, and in over 25 countries. I have worked in the International NGO sector, developing a new global governance model at Save the Children, and supporting local programmes in Colombia and the Philippines in particular. At Cancer Research UK, I have broad experience across fundraising, research funding, and policy, and have led our efforts to work more closely with other cancer societies in various parts of the world, leading to a number of tangible partnerships.

I believe passionately that UICC has an important role to play in convening cancer societies and other member organisations from around the world, and supporting us all in growing our impact. I am excited to take forward some of the exciting ideas in the new UICC strategy, particularly in working to deepen engagement between UICC and its members.

Alejandro Mohar
Head, Epidemiology Unit,
Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México

Mexico City, Mexico

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

At the beginning of my career, as a researcher in cancer epidemiology in Mexico; later, as General Director of the Mexican National Cancer Institute where I promoted and encouraged the operation of public policies for cancer control - among others the Seguro Popular - for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care for thousands of patients that arrived for medical care at this oncological center. Since 1997, I attended the UICC Congress and saw the commitment of this organisation in promoting, establishing and evaluating interventions worldwide. Particularly, in low and middle-income countries, where there are opportunities for a better cancer control.

During my 10 years as Director of the Mex-NCI, I realised that these opportunities can be reached with a more active, pro-positive, and passionate use of different instruments that today are available for the civil society, i.e. health education, primary prevention, and access to optimal medical care by the health systems in place. The governments have this responsibility; however, sometimes they forget it and is the role of organisations like UICC to remind them what should be their priorities.

Send a message to better define actions that could have an impact for communities in much need. For all these reasons It will be an honour to be member of this Board, and of this extraordinary commitment of UICC for each one of the cancer patients worldwide.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

My background makes me a good candidate. I am Pathologist, and got a Doctoral degree in Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health in 1990. After graduating I came back to my country, and since then I worked at the Mexican National Cancer Institute. I have done extensive research and public health interventions for a better control of cancer in Mexico, and multiple international collaborations within the network of Cancer Institutes in Latin America and the USA.

From 2003 to 2013, I was General Director of the Mex-NCI. During my tenure I collaborated with all national and several international organisations committed to cancer control. I learned from them the concept and value of advocacy, and understood that the best way to fight cancer is through a team effort. I also actively participate in the UICC-meetings worldwide, and identify opportunities for cancer control.

From November of 2013-2016, I was member of the International Narcotic Control Board of the United Nations. I learned the huge needs to access of palliative care worldwide. I worked to change this reality, and as member of the UICC-Board we could continue this effort.

Finally, I actively participated in the organisation and operation of the past UICC Congress that took place in Mexico City last November of 2016. For all these reasons, I strongly believe that there is every reason to believe that I am a competitive candidate to be elected as Member of the Board of Directors. 

Danielle Rodin
Radiation Oncologist
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Toronto, Canada

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

UICC is a unifying force that has made cancer control prominent on the world health and development agenda through its diverse membership and unwavering commitment to improving cancer control. I am motivated to serve on its Board of Directors because of my strong belief in its mission to reduce cancer disparities and to improve the lives of cancer patients everywhere. Serving on the Board would be a unique opportunity to work with its dynamic members to enhance the impact of UICC and to engage future generations of cancer leaders, who can become a community of ambassadors for UICC and extend its strong voice on the global stage. 

Through my roles as a cancer physician, health policy researcher, and global health advocate, I understand that multiple approaches are needed to advance cancer control. I twice received the UICC Young Leader award and have strong technical expertise in global health, health economics, and community activism, all of which can be directed to advance UICC’s strategic goals. Through my work, I also have close collaborative relationships with members from countries around the world. As UICC continues its role as a world leader in cancer control and grows as an organisation, these collaborative relationships, together with my skill set, experience, and shared vision, would allow me to make a valuable contribution. It would be a great honour to contribute to the mission of the UICC and to work with the outstanding leaders on its Board of Directors.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

My experience in clinical practice, health policy, research, and in large international initiatives make me a strong candidate for the Board of Directors. Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, where I work, has a longstanding commitment to UICC and I have been personally engaged in its Congresses and Leaders’ Summits. I led the economic analysis for the UICC/Lancet Oncology Global Task Force on Radiotherapy for Cancer Control and, while on that Task Force, built the GlobalRT advocacy movement for radiotherapy, which mobilised professionals from around the world to raise awareness about disparities in access to radiotherapy through films, blogs, and other multimedia– all essential tools to promote UICC’s important work.

As a practicing cancer physician, I understand the frontline challenges in cancer control and, as a health policy researcher, I appreciate the evidence that is needed to engage health systems in capacity-building partnerships. My research is focussed on the economics of cancer and on improving access to care across all resource settings. This work has been recognised through invitations to work with the World Health Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and has generated ongoing international collaborative relationships. I would bring these experiences in advocacy, policy, and global health to the UICC Board of Directors, along with the perspective of the new generation of leaders and a deep personal and professional commitment to cancer control.

Saunthari Somasundaram
President
The National Cancer Society of Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

Every problem, even one as big and complex as cancer, is an opportunity.

While gravely concerned about the rising global cancer burden, as the President of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), I am also excited about the chance to halt the deluge.

About 20 years ago, I started at NCSM as the clinician. As the focus of cancer control – especially in Asia – shifted from treatment, to support, to early detection and prevention, I’ve led NCSM to expand, adapt, and drive these initiatives.

We’ve since battled for better cancer care, early detection of breast cancer, vaccination and prevention of cervical cancer, and stronger tobacco control.

NCSM has thus evolved from a medical-centric organisation to one that leads awareness and behavioural shift programmes, advocates for policy change, urges regular surveillance, and complements the work of governments and NGOs. Today, we lead and inspire the fight for cancer control in Malaysia.

Most importantly: we unite and empower LMICs in cancer control. Today, with cancer being on the global agenda, and with strategies that are aligned with the SDGs, it is the golden hour to further our reach, bridge the gaps, and strengthen countries that are affected the most.

Our hosting of the World Cancer Congress in Kuala Lumpur this year will enable us to build on the work we have started nationally and regionally. It gives me no bigger honour than contributing to the platform from which NCSM has benefited the most – UICC.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

Having been on the Board of UICC for two terms, I now Chair the Membership – and am a member of the Capacity Building – committee. In the latter positions, I prompted greater investment into engagement and capacity building of UICC members and countries in need. 

I am committed in ensuring a continuous enhancement of member benefits that reflect changing requirements. I’m also dedicated to the development of programmes that empower organisations to enact change.

In my tenure as President, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) has created greater visibility of UICC within the region via new and existing networks. Championing for the interest of low resource countries through these excellent relationships have resulted in a higher commitment in capacity building and in cancer control. 
 
I hold positions at the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control, chair NCD Malaysia, and am on the Boards of International Cancer Information Service (ICISG) and ASEAN NCD Alliance.

My experience in the medical, advocacy, policy, operations and public health aspect of cancer provides me a comprehensive picture of the benefits, challenges, needs and gaps of cancer control in ASEAN.

This, along with my ongoing initiatives, passion, and drive, continue to broaden my vision of how we can minimise the threat of cancer. I believe that sharing – as well as learning – from the UICC Board will help widen it.