NCCN Partners with Global Leaders for Historic International Cancer Control Forum

NCCN Partners with Global Leaders for Historic International Cancer Control Forum



The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a coalition of prominent cancer centers from the United States, attended its first-ever Cancer Planners Forum in Geneva, Switzerland from May 14-16, 2025. This significant event was an unprecedented opportunity for approximately 75 countries to come together to address the critical issue of cancer control planning in a global context.

Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, the CEO of NCCN, emphasized the organization's commitment to enhancing access to high-quality cancer care globally. "We strive every day to improve access to high-quality, high-value, patient-centered cancer care for all people globally," Dr. Denlinger stated. The NCCN model aims for all nations to have cancer plans that are comprehensive and grounded in the best available evidence, ensuring optimal care for individuals affected by cancer everywhere.

The Cancer Planners Forum was unique in its focus on the training, mentoring, and support of personnel responsible for the creation and implementation of National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs). The event was organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and other vital organizations. This collective effort reflects the growing recognition of the need for cohesive strategies in combating cancer on a global scale.

In the lead-up to the forum, a comprehensive study published in Lancet Oncology analyzed 98 NCCPs and 58 non-communicable disease (NCD) plans from an international perspective. This research revealed ongoing challenges, such as insufficient funding, accessibility issues, and gaps in the integration of evidence-based interventions within existing NCCPs. The Cancer Planners Forum aims to actively address these challenges by promoting collaboration among stakeholders and fostering data-driven decision-making.

Attendees at the forum engaged in discussions on critical topics, including:
  • - Best practices for the development and execution of NCCPs
  • - The rationale for investing in national cancer control efforts
  • - Successful examples of national responses to cancer crises
  • - The importance of cancer registries in decision-making processes
  • - The impact of legal and policy frameworks on cancer control strategies

Director of NCCN's Global Program, Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, highlighted the forum's importance in light of global health priorities this year, particularly regarding NCDs like cancer. Significant upcoming events, such as the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on NCD prevention and control, underline the urgency of this work. Winckworth-Prejsnar noted, "We hope that the learnings from this forum can be utilized by member states when advocating for NCCPs in the context of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), NCD Global Action Plan targets, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

NCCN is strategically positioned to contribute to this mission, with nearly half of the two million registered users for its Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) residing outside the United States, across more than 190 countries. This global reach underscores NCCN's commitment to tailor cancer control guidelines and resources to fit the specific needs of diverse populations.

Notably, NCCN resources—including its guidelines—are freely accessible through the NCCN website and the Virtual Library of NCCN Guidelines App. For additional details on its global initiatives, visit NCCN.org/global.

About NCCN


The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is celebrating 30 years as a non-profit alliance dedicated to patient care, research, and education in cancer. It aims to enhance the quality of cancer care and prevention, ensuring that all individuals can lead healthier lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) are recognized as the industry standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management. NCCN also collaborates on educational, policymaking, and research initiatives in oncology, further solidifying its role as a leader in cancer care advancement.

For more information, visit NCCN.org.

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