NCCN and Global Health Leaders Unite for Historic Cancer Control Training Forum
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a renowned non-profit alliance of premier cancer centers in the United States, is taking a significant step in the fight against cancer by co-hosting the inaugural Cancer Planners Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. This event, running from May 14 to 16, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in international cancer control efforts, as it gathers representatives from over 75 countries to enhance cancer control plans worldwide.
During the forum, esteemed professionals in cancer care will engage in training and mentoring sessions to develop and implement National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs). Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, CEO of NCCN, emphasized the organization’s commitment to improving access to the highest quality cancer care globally. “We strive every day to improve access to high-quality, high-value, patient-centered cancer care for all people globally,” she stated, highlighting the significance of well-founded plans that cater to the needs of patients everywhere.
The Cancer Planners Forum is a collaborative effort, led by The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and supported by vital partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This event aims to fill existing gaps in funding, access, and the integration of evidence-based interventions that have been noted in a recent Lancet Oncology study, which analyzed 98 NCCPs globally. The study, involving 70 international experts, showcased strides made in national cancer strategies but also revealed persisting challenges that need to be addressed to ensure comprehensive and effective cancer control plans.
Topics slated for discussion at the forum include:
1. Best Practices in Developing NCCPs: Sharing successful methodologies for creating robust cancer plans tailored to individual countries' resources.
2. Investment Cases for National Cancer Control: Informing decision-makers on the financial benefits and necessity of investing in effective cancer control initiatives.
3. Case Studies on Successful National Responses: Presenting real-world examples of effective cancer strategies that can serve as models for others.
4. Role of Cancer Registries: Exploring how data-driven approaches can enhance decision-making processes in cancer care.
5. Impact of Law and Policy: Understanding how legislation affects the effectiveness of cancer control initiatives.
Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, Director of NCCN's Global Program, points out the timeliness of this event within the broader global health agenda, especially as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) gain prominence. Upcoming significant meetings, including the World Health Assembly and the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs, underscore the urgency of the forum's objectives, aiming to equip member states with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for robust NCCPs.
NCCN's influence in the global cancer landscape is substantial, with nearly half of its two million registered users for the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology located outside the United States, spanning across more than 190 countries. The organization works closely with local and regional experts to tailor cancer control guidelines and resources, ensuring that they meet specific community needs. These include International Adaptations of the NCCN Guidelines, the NCCN Framework for Resource Stratification, and translations of guidelines for diverse populations. All NCCN’s global resources are freely accessible at NCCN.org, aiming to foster better cancer care outcomes everywhere.
In summary, the Cancer Planners Forum represents a groundbreaking initiative for global cancer control, fostering international cooperation and knowledge-sharing. It is a step towards ensuring that effective cancer management is a global standard rather than an exception, enabling countries to provide equitable and high-quality care for those impacted by cancer. This initiative reaffirms NCCN's long-standing commitment to enhancing cancer care standards and promoting best practices that can transform the lives of patients worldwide.