#United States #Geneva #Geneva Forum #National Comprehensive Cancer Network #Cancer Control Plans

NCCN's Significant Step Towards Global Cancer Control Strategies

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a non-profit alliance of leading cancer centers in the United States, is marking a historical milestone by participating in the first-ever Cancer Control Plans Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 14 to 16, 2025. This forum gathers representatives from over 75 countries, presenting a unique platform for international dialogue on cancer prevention and control efforts.

Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, the Executive Director of NCCN, emphasized the organization's commitment to enhancing access to high-quality oncology care globally. "Every day, we strive to improve access to high-quality, patient-centered oncology care for all people worldwide. It's an honor to not only attend this crucial meeting but to sponsor it as well, underlining our dedication to international collaboration in cancer control," she stated.

This inaugural forum is organized and led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), of which NCCN is a member. It is supported by significant global health entities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology presented a global overview of National Cancer Control Plans (NCCP), showing progress in national strategies while highlighting persisting gaps in funding, access, and integration of evidence-based interventions. The forum seeks to address these issues by advocating for collaborative efforts, promoting data-driven decision-making, and ensuring that cancer control plans are comprehensive, well-funded, and effectively implemented.

Key topics of discussion at the forum will include:

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

Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, the Director of NCCN’s Global Program, stated, "This groundbreaking forum takes place in a critical year where non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, are at the forefront of the global health agenda. Alongside upcoming global meetings like the World Health Assembly and the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, insights from this forum are expected to aid member states in promoting NCCPs in the context of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), global NCD action plans, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

NCCN possesses significant potential to contribute to this mission. Almost half of the two million registered users of NCCN Guidelines® in oncology are located outside the United States, representing over 190 countries. The organization actively collaborates with local and regional experts to create guidelines and cancer control resources tailored to specific population needs. These initiatives include international adaptations of NCCN Guidelines®, the NCCN Framework™ for resource stratification, and translations of both NCCN Guidelines and NCCN Guidelines for Patients®.

All global cancer treatment resources provided by NCCN are available for free at NCCN.org or through the NCCN Guidelines App. For more information, visit NCCN.org/global.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

Celebrating 30 years, NCCN is a non-profit organization consisting of leading cancer treatment centers committed to patient care, research, and education. The network's mission encompasses defining high-quality, effective, unbiased, and accessible oncology care and prevention so that everyone can lead healthier lives. NCCN Guidelines® provide transparent, evidence-based, and consensus-driven recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services, recognized as the standard for clinical guidance and policy in cancer management. With a commitment to ongoing education, global initiatives, advocacy, and research collaboration in oncology, further details can be found at NCCN.org.