#United States #Geneva #NCCN #Cancer Control #Geneva Forum

NCCN’s Historic Participation in Global Cancer Control

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has made a significant stride in international oncology by participating in the inaugural International Forum for Cancer Control Planning specialists in Geneva, Switzerland, held from May 14 to 16, 2025. This event brought together officials and experts from 75 countries, showcasing a commitment to improve cancer care strategies worldwide.

Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, the CEO of NCCN, expressed the organization’s dedication to improving access to high-quality, patient-centered cancer care globally. "We are proud to not only attend but also sponsor this vital meeting, which reflects our commitment to international cooperation in the fight against cancer. It’s crucial that every region has access to treatment plans based on the best available data to optimize the care for those affected by cancer worldwide," Denlinger stated.

The forum targeted the development, mentorship, and support of professionals who are responsible for creating and implementing National Comprehensive Cancer Plans (NCCPs). It was organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), of which NCCN is a member, with support from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

A recent study published in Lancet Oncology reviewed NCCPs from more than 70 international experts, aiming to analyze 98 NCCPs and 58 plans addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) from countries at varying resource levels. While progress has been noted in broad national cancer strategies, there remain gaps in funding, access, and the integration of evidence-based interventions.

The Forum aims to address these challenges by enhancing collaboration, advocating for data-driven decision-making, and ensuring cancer control plans are comprehensive, well-funded, and executed efficiently. Key discussion topics included:

• - Best practices in NCCP development and implementation.
• - Investment tools for national cancer planning.
• - Case studies on successful national cancer responses.
• - The role of cancer registries and data-driven decision-making.
• - The impact of legislation and policies on cancer control.

Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, director of NCCN’s global program, noted the significance of this forum during a critical year for NCDs such as cancer, which are highlighted on the global health agenda. Upcoming global meetings include the World Health Assembly and the fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting (UN HLM) on NCDs. She remarked, "We hope that the lessons learned from this forum can be used by Member States to promote NCCP goals in the context of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)."

NCCN is well-equipped for this mission, with nearly half of the two million registered users of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) residing outside the United States, representing over 190 countries. The global program often collaborates with local and regional experts to create cancer control recommendations tailored to specific population needs. This includes International Adaptations of NCCN Guidelines, the NCCN Resource Stratification Framework, and translations of NCCN Guidelines and NCCN Guidelines for Patients®.

All global cancer resources from NCCN are freely available through the NCCN website or the NCCN Guidelines virtual library app. To learn more, visit NCCN.org/global.

About NCCN

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) celebrates 30 years as a non-profit alliance of leading cancer centers, focused on patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to defining and promoting effective, equitable, and accessible cancer treatment and prevention standards to improve life quality. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology contain transparent, evidence-based expert recommendations for cancer treatment and supportive care, recognized as the standard for cancer care policy globally. For more information, visit NCCN.org.