#USA #Geneva #NCCN #Cancer Control #Geneva Forum

NCCN Joins Global Organizations for Cancer Control Forum

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a prominent non-profit alliance of top cancer centers in the U.S., has made a significant stride towards enhancing global cancer care by participating in the inaugural Cancer Planners Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 14-16, 2025. This gathering, which includes representatives from over 75 countries, marks a crucial milestone in the fight against cancer worldwide.

Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, the CEO of NCCN, expressed the organization's unwavering commitment to improving access to high-quality, patient-centered cancer care for everyone, stating, "We strive every day to enhance the access to high-value cancer care globally. We are proud to participate and sponsor this important meeting reflecting our commitment to international collaboration against cancer. Each nation or region must have access to cancer plans backed by the best data available to optimize care for cancer patients worldwide."

The Cancer Planners Forum is a pioneering initiative dedicated to training, mentoring, and supporting stakeholders involved in developing and implementing National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs). The forum is organized by The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), in cooperation with key participants such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

According to a recent study published in Lancet Oncology, a global review of NCCPs was conducted, with contributions from over 70 international experts, including the NCCN itself. By analyzing 98 NCCPs and 58 Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) plans across countries with varying resource levels, the study highlighted progress in national cancer strategies but also pointed out persistent gaps in funding, access, and the integration of evidence-based interventions into NCCPs.

To address these issues, the Cancer Planners Forum aims to foster collaboration, promote data-driven decision-making, and ensure that cancer control plans are comprehensive, well-funded, and effectively implemented. Key discussions during the forum will include:

• - Best practices for developing and implementing NCCPs
• - Investment strategies 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 policy on cancer control

As Dr. Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, the Global Program Director at NCCN, noted, “This historic forum occurs during a pivotal year when noncommunicable diseases such as cancer are at the forefront of global health discussions.” Upcoming global meetings, including the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs are critical events that will shape the future of global health initiatives.

Dr. Winckworth-Prejsnar emphasized the hope that insights gleaned from the forum will inform member states as they advocate for NCCPs in the context of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the NCD Global Action Plan goals, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Notably, the NCCN is well-positioned to contribute to this mission due to its extensive reach—nearly half of the two million registered users of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) are located outside the U.S., spanning over 190 different countries. The NCCN's Global Program frequently collaborates with local and regional experts to develop cancer care guidelines and resources tailored to the specific needs of diverse populations. This includes the International Adaptations of the NCCN Guidelines®, the NCCN Framework for Resource Stratification of NCCN Guidelines (NCCN Framework™), and translations of NCCN Guidelines designed for patient support.

All resources provided by the NCCN regarding cancer are freely accessible via NCCN.org or through the Virtual Library of the NCCN Guidelines App. For more information about their global efforts, visit NCCN.org/global.

About the NCCN

Founded 30 years ago, the NCCN is a non-profit alliance dedicated to the care of cancer patients, research, and education. It aims to define and promote quality, effectiveness, equity, and accessibility in cancer care and prevention, ensuring everyone can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology set forth transparent, evidence-based recommendations that serve as the recognized standard for clinical guidance and cancer management policies. The organization also supports ongoing education, global initiatives, and research, furthering collaboration and advancements in the field of oncology. For more information, visit NCCN.org.