#USA #oncology #Geneva #NCCN #Cancer Planners Forum

NCCN Joins Global Fight Against Cancer in Geneva

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a U.S.-based non-profit organization comprising some of the leading cancer centers in the nation, has marked a significant milestone by participating in the Cancer Planners Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 14 to 16, 2025. This gathering sees representatives from 75 countries, making it a pivotal international event focusing on oncology care strategies.

Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, the CEO of NCCN, expressed the organization's commitment, emphasizing the need for all populations worldwide to have access to high-quality, patient-focused cancer care. "It is an honor for us to not only participate but to sponsor this vital meeting in alignment with our commitment to international collaboration in cancer control," said Dr. Denlinger. She highlighted that effective oncology treatment plans should be based on the best medical knowledge available, ensuring optimal patient care across the globe.

The Importance of the Cancer Planners Forum

The Cancer Planners Forum is the first event of its kind, dedicated to training, mentoring, and providing support to individuals responsible for developing and implementing National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs). This forum is organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), which includes NCCN among its membership, with support from several prominent health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC).

Recent research published in Lancet Oncology discussed a global review of NCCPs involving over 70 international experts, including those from NCCN. This review analyzed 98 NCCPs and 58 non-communicable disease plans from various countries. While progress is being made in national cancer control strategies, significant gaps remain in funding, access, and evidence-based interventions within those plans.

The forum aims to bridge these gaps by promoting collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and ensuring comprehensive, adequately funded, and effectively implemented oncology treatment plans. Topics addressed at the event include:

• - Best practices in the development and implementation of NCCPs
• - Investment examples in national cancer planning
• - Case studies of successful national cancer treatment programs
• - The role of cancer registries in decision-making
• - The impact of regulations and policies on oncology treatment

A Global Health Agenda

The Cancer Planners Forum occurs in a critical year for public health initiatives, with non-communicable diseases, particularly malignant cancers, at the forefront of the global health agenda. Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, MPH, the director of NCCN’s global program, noted that pivotal upcoming events this year, such as the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on non-communicable diseases (HLM4), will be instrumental in shaping global health policies.

Winckworth-Prejsnar emphasized the hope that member states will leverage insights from the forum to advocate for the implementation of NCCPs as part of achieving universal health coverage, non-communicable disease global action plans, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

NCCN's Global Contribution

NCCN is well-positioned to participate in this mission, with nearly half of the two million registered users of its clinical practice guidelines in oncology hailing from outside the United States, representing over 190 countries. The NCCN global program frequently collaborates with local and regional experts to develop oncology treatment guidelines and resources tailored to specific population needs. These include international adaptations of NCCN guidelines, the NCCN resource stratification framework, and translations of NCCN guidelines for patients.

All NCCN’s global cancer resources are freely accessible at NCCN.org or through the NCCN Virtual Library of Guidelines app, demonstrating the organization's commitment to improving oncology care worldwide. For more information, visit NCCN.org/global.

The NCCN, which has been operational for 30 years, is dedicated to patient care, research, and education in oncology, aiming to define and enhance the standards of quality, effectiveness, equity, and access to cancer care and prevention for all individuals. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines are recognized as the most comprehensive and regularly updated treatment recommendations available in the field of medicine. The input and guidance from the diverse community developed through NCCN ensures that patient families have access to relevant information and opportunities with the support of the NCCN foundation.

For media inquiries, contact: Rachel Darwin at 267-622-6624 or via email at [email protected].