Candidate profiles for 2024-2026 Board of Directors and President-elect

C S Pramesh
Director, Tata Memorial Hospital
Convener, National Cancer Grid

Mumbai, India

Why would you like to be UICC President?

I would like to thank the members and the nominating committee for the opportunity to be considered for the role of President-elect of the UICC.

Cancer remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Despite increased advocacy by professionals and civil society organisations, cancer is not prioritised as an important issue in several governmental agendas and national health plans. This has resulted in considerable inequity in all aspects of cancer control including prevention, access, early detection, treatment and survivorship. The UICC is a unique organization which leverages its diverse and committed membership to work in all these areas, promoting equity and access.

My major focus during my career of 25+ years as an oncologist has been to reduce disparities across the spectrum of cancer control. This has motivated my work as the convener of a remarkably successful initiative – the National Cancer Grid (NCG) in India, which has been transformative for cancer control not just within India, but also serves as a global exemplar. The UICC’s vision and initiatives towards ensuring equity and access in cancer align perfectly with what I have delivered through the NCG at the national, and increasingly through the NCG-Global initiative, at an international level.

This shared vision inspired me to apply and join the UICC Board of Directors in 2020. After serving on the Board for four years, I have gained substantial experience and knowledge by participating in several key UICC initiatives including the last strategic plan. This has also allowed me to have a deep understanding of planning and implementing relevant initiatives at grassroot level through multi-stakeholder involvement.

I am now prepared to move to the next stage and take a leadership role as President of the UICC to consolidate ongoing activities and drive new people-centred initiatives to help achieve the goal of reducing the cancer burden. Leveraging the strong convening power of the UICC, the incredible dedication of its members, the deep commitment of the board, and the passion of the executive team, it would be a privilege for me to lead the organisation to even greater heights and promote equity in global cancer control.

What makes you a strong candidate, drawing on any relevant experience?

My clinical experience as an oncologist and cancer surgeon over the past 25+ years, my role in establishing and leading the National Cancer Grid for the past 12 years, my experience on several international cancer committees including the WHO, ASCO, ESMO, IASLC and the ISDE, combined with my extensive work on cancer policy and advocacy make me a strong candidate for the position of President-Elect of the UICC. My work on the Board of Directors of the UICC over the past four years has given me considerable knowledge and experience on the working of the organisation, its strengths and areas for potential improvement. I have worked in various key subcommittees of the UICC including the knowledge, advocacy and policy, membership, Congress and Summit subcommittees, and actively involved in the strategy review process.

My style of leadership is based on transformational leadership with a mission to serve in the several leadership positions I have held over the past 20 years, including professional societies, India’s largest cancer hospital (Tata Memorial Hospital), and the world’s largest cancer network (National Cancer Grid). Since its establishment in 2012, I have led the National Cancer Grid from what was an initial group of 17 cancer centres to what is now a 350+ member organisation (which between them, care for 60% of all patients with cancer in India), expanding its scope to include patient groups, professional societies and research institutions. With the creation of NCG-Global, we have international organisations also as members from various parts of the world.

Many of the NCG initiatives have been transformational in cancer control, including resource-stratified treatment guidelines (and linkage to government reimbursement schemes), quality assurance and improvement programmes, use of technology for 'virtual' tumour boards and online expert opinions (> 100,000 opinions provided globally so far), all of which have promoted equitable access to evidence-based high quality cancer care.

Through a unique “pooled procurement” process, we were able to negotiate an average discount of 85% on commonly used cancer medicines, drastically reducing the costs of care. This single initiative resulted in overall savings of US $167 million for patients with cancer. I have driven the wider availability of palliative care for cancer through training opportunities, and strong advocacy for access to community-level palliative care. The systematic approach to cancer control through the National Cancer Grid prompted the Parliamentary committee recommendation that the NCG spearhead the next National Cancer Control Plan for India.

I established a robust cancer research development strategy through funding for contextually relevant research with potentially practice changing studies that have recruited over 32,000 patients to date. Through the International Collaboration for Research Development in Oncology (CReDO) workshops, we have trained over 400 early career researchers and biostatisticians from over 20 countries on cancer research methods, building invaluable research capacity in LMICs.

The unparalleled success of the NCG also resulted in the creation of NCG-Global, the international outreach to share best practices and cooperate with other countries in cancer control. It also resulted in a partnership with the World Health Organization to create the South-East Asia Cancer Grid (SEACanGrid). Between these initiatives, over 50 international member organisations have become partners with the NCG in a truly global cancer control initiative.

Beyond the NCG initiatives, I led the Tata Memorial Hospital through the COVID-19 pandemic ensuring uninterrupted cancer care all through. Many of our initiatives were adopted nationally and internationally to mitigate the setback to cancer services during a global pandemic. My fundraising efforts for the hospital have resulted in raising USD 240 million for various infrastructural, equipment and patient-care related activities.

Internationally, I have leadership roles with several leading organisations in cancer control like the WHO, ASCO, ESMO, City Cancer Challenge and global oncology initiatives of organisations like the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, King’s College London, Queen’s University, and others on pivotal initiatives. Through my work with the imPACT missions, I have collaborated closely with experts from WHO, IAEA, IARC, St Jude Children’s Hospital and the M D Anderson Cancer Center in evaluating and assisting with national cancer control plans of several countries.

I have strongly advocated for patients and caregivers throughout my career and in all my leadership roles. I pioneered the inclusion of patient and public involvement in all research funded by the NCG and developed training modules for patient representatives to contribute meaningfully to cancer research. In addition, I also initiated the involvement of patient groups in developing the NCG treatment guidelines - this ensures that patient voices are heard not only in identifying research priorities, but also in treatment policies and decisions.

In summary, my extensive experience, leadership and impactful work in global cancer control make me a strong candidate for the position of the President of the UICC.

What are your future ambitions for UICC?

The UICC is a powerful organisation primarily due to the diversity and strength of its constituent members, and my focus and ambition will be towards empowering the members in their efforts for cancer control. In addition, the close relationship between the UN organisations and the UICC provides an excellent opportunity to influence global (and national) cancer policy and plans. I also feel that with the wide membership of the UICC, fostering south-south collaborations along with the existing north-south collaborations would be mutually beneficial for all partners.

One of my foremost ambitions for the UICC would be to promote the use of science and innovation to expand global cancer control efforts. Given the rapid advances that we are making in cancer research and the parallel improvements in technology including digital health and artificial intelligence, the UICC could push the frontiers of scientific progress in cancer control – enabling countries (and members) to leapfrog some of the advances that would otherwise take decades. Using innovation to go beyond “business as usual” in cancer control is the need of the hour, and the UICC could be the organization that catalyses these efforts.

At an organisational level, I have several priorities. First, I would emphasise efforts that bring more value for the members, providing additional resources, technical assistance and actively engage with members to better understand their needs, and fulfil them. Second, I would promote the inclusiveness of membership for the UICC, which would not only benefit members, but also the UICC from a perspective of global reach. Third, I would strengthen our efforts in growing the talent of younger colleagues globally through programmes of engagement, training and leadership.

The UICC has done a commendable job over the past decades. Should I be fortunate to be elected President with your support, I will strive to ensure a pre-eminent position for science, research and innovation in its strategy, engage and diversify its membership while expanding the value proposition, and increase bilateral and multilateral cooperation and shared learning between them – these will truly transform global cancer control.

Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu
Founder/Chief Operating Officer, Medicaid Cancer Foundation

Abuja, Nigeria

Why would you like to be UICC President?

Over the past 50 years, the world has witnessed remarkable advancements in cancer science and treatment. Yet, millions of people worldwide still lack access to life-saving care —this includes countries with robust health systems and research capabilities. Addressing this gap has been a priority task of the UICC, via many impactful fellowships and programs. As a UICC board member for the past 6 years, I have had the privilege of engaging with over 500 of its member organisations, both directly and indirectly, gaining insight into the diverse challenges hindering cancer control across the globe.
As president elect, I can amplify messages and programmes of the UICC, leveraging our collective strength to reach even more communities and organisations. I would like to be the UICC President because it would give me a formidable platform to help create a world where cancer prevention tools, cutting-edge research, and life-saving treatments are accessible to all, irrespective of age, geographic location, socioeconomic status, or cultural barriers.

What makes you a strong candidate, drawing on any relevant experience?

As a physician for 30 years, CEO of a diagnostic centre for 18 years, founder of a cancer non-profit for 15 years, as well as eight years of being the First Lady of a Nigerian state, I have developed leadership, managerial, financial and high-level engagement skills that give me the confidence to put myself forward as President-elect.

Through these hats, I gained patient-centred experience essential for the oversight role required by a global organisation such as the UICC. I understand how governments work, have led and convened high-level meetings where I have formally represented the UICC and my country. As a patient advocate, cancer patients have taught me how crucial it is to place the patient in the centre of global cancer control. My experience in developing, integrating, monitoring, and evaluating strategies for our state and national cancer plans is crucial to this position. Equally crucial, is my experience working with civil society organisations, industry partners and international organisations (such as the World Health Organization, World Economic Forum, the United Nations etc).

As a health system expert, I have demonstrated my knowledge and skills in strengthening cancer health systems through numerous contributions. In recognition of this, I was recently appointed in a non remunerating role as the Senior Adviser on Women’s Health and Cancer Advocacy to the Coordinating Minister of Health of Nigeria.

I possess communication skills, particularly in translating scientific research findings and technical cancer updates into accessible and actionable information for the general public. This ability is a key strategy for increasing cancer awareness and control. Additionally, I have been interviewed on international platforms such as the BBC and Al Jazeerah. My op-eds and commentaries have been published on Devex, World Economic Forum, AORTIC, Lancet, ASCO pubs, UICC and Chatham House reports.

With my team, I have grown strong social media platforms which are useful for mobilising communities and promoting cancer advocacy campaigns including the World Cancer Day. Some projects that I have initiated or provided leadership to include:

• Insurance Coverage and National Fund for Cancer Care: I partnered with the Nigerian government to extend financial access to over 10,000 indigent cancer patients
• Closing the Global Funding Gap: Worked with industry, government, legislators, philanthropists and other stakeholders to successfully obtain increased funding specifically benchmarked for cancer control.
• Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer: Led the inclusion of Nigeria in the WHO global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, benefiting over 15 LMICs.
• Raised USD 2.6 million under Medicaid Cancer Foundation and First Ladies against Cancer to benefit various awareness, screening and treatment and research programs.
• Mentored and sponsored 66 young people to successful career as nurses, advocates and young scientists.

Since its launch in 2019, our Medicaid Cancer Foundation launched PACE, (Patient Access to Cancer care), a program that has subsidised the costs of diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and palliative care with over $1,000,000. I aim to replicate across other regions.

Furthermore, In 2019, MCF was one of the recipients of the UICC SPARC grant for a project called 'One Call Away'. This was a patient navigation initiative, which links women diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer to treatment solutions, whilst addressing their psychological needs to improve their quality of life. This programme was eventually adopted and sustained under PACE.

Consistent with my patient centred, supportive and fundraising record, I was appointed as board chair of Network of People impacted by Cancer in Nigeria in 2022. Through the network, I attend patient group meetings and extend opportunities available to cancer patients. In March 2024, I was the keynote speaker in Zurich at the International Experience Exchange with Patient Organizations (IEEPO), a patient-led community that co-creates and collaborates to improve healthcare.
These experiences and achievements are a few that demonstrate my capability to lead and advocate for effective cancer control on a global scale.

What are your future ambitions for UICC?

I aspire to position UICC as the global catalyst for accelerating progress in cancer control. To achieve this, I will focus on the following key areas:

• Closing the Cancer Care Gap: Prioritising low hanging-cost effective awareness programs, that cut across early detection, treatment, palliative care, and research advocacy.
• Capacity Building: There are many beneficial programs and technical fellowships the UICC currently offers. However, not all our current members are aware of or bother to access. I will leverage digital technology and social media to bring in more members and enable them access available resources.
• Growing full members and fellowships: Currently, the UICC has over 1100 members in various categories. Full membership is a prerequisite to access benefits like seed funding and training fellowships. Many organisations want to join as full members, but cannot afford the dues. If successfully elected, I have ideas, and already identified partners we can crystallise into funding support specifically for members.
• Amplifying the voices of cancer patients: Lived experience is a very powerful driver of change. I have demonstrated the ability to engage physically and using my adept digital skills. I will continue to provide patients with cancer, members, stakeholders, with loud platforms to tell their story. This motivates patients, enlightens the general public and catalyses change. I am currently running an interview series which can be extended to the UICC platform and mainstream media.
• Driving Innovation: Particularly as it relates to health systems and early diagnosis. By partnering with low cost tech start ups, more training programs can be offered via UICC. Similarly, the use of Artificial Intelligence in Cancer is gaining momentum. The more data we have in quantity and diversity, the more reliable AI models will be. My Medicaid Radio diagnostic centre is working on 4 such projects. UICC members would be encouraged to have such futuristic programs.
• Global Leadership: Strengthening UICC's partnerships and influence on the global stage. Past presidents differ in their leadership styles. Mine would be a tenure of active promotion at a high level and in corridors of power where vital decisions are being made.

I am confident that by working collaboratively with the UICC’s management, board members, scientists and partners, we can create a world where cancer is a less destructive disease.

Matti Aapro
President
Sharing Progress in Cancer Care (SPCC) and ALL CAN

Collonge–Bellerive, Switzerland

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

Dear reader
Already a Board member, I seek another term. Working along my fellow board members I believe this past board has contributed to the development of UICC by supporting the team under the leadership of Cary Adams. In these difficult times UICC has strengthened its collaborations with many important organisations, like WHO (which in turn has considerably increased its activity in the cancer field). Supporting the ATOM coalition UICC is helping the access to essential medicines, but this is not all. The members of UICC are the ones who have played and play the most important role in their regions and countries, working towards a common goal: decreasing the risk of cancer and improving the care pathway, from early diagnosis, to access to expert surgery, radiation oncology, drug treatment and supportive and palliative care for young and elderly patients. These areas need priority support in low and middle income countries, and everywhere. These areas have many common points, including the workforce crisis that is increasing and should not be resolved by unilateral resolutions. The points cited above are some of the reasons why I would like to continue on the board of UICC. They are only a few of the many actions that UICC is working on, and that you are working on. All together, learning from each other, and when needed speaking as one voice, we can accelerate the progress that is needed.
Respectfully yours.
Matti Aapro

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

The UICC Board of Directors is there to work for you, and guide the UICC team. I believe that I bring European and worldwide expertise to UICC as Past-President of ECO (European Cancer Organisation), now member of the ECO International Committee. I am honoured to be the President of 2 not for profit entities: All Can and Sharing Progress in Cancer Care (SPCC). The first one has 19 national initiatives worldwide, with basically the same idea: by improving the pathway, one can liberate resources to invest in other needs. SPCC has developed a multifaceted educational programme that is free of charge. It is now starting to adapt this programme to multilingual access and also to respond to demands made by stakeholders throughout the world. Bringing these two resources to UICC members , if desired, is a task for the next years. But above all I believe in collaboration, respectful of each other's skills and needs. To work with you all, and with all my fellow board members will be a honour.

Tsetsegsaikhan
Batmunkh
Founder & CEO
National Cancer Council of Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

It is a great privilege to be considered among the candidates for UICC’s Board of Directors. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills and knowledge in cancer control to reduce inequities in cancer care, particularly in LMICs, which bear the largest burden of global cancer cases.
As a participant in the UICC Young Leader program, I am dedicated to amplifying the voice of the next generation of cancer leaders within UICC and enhancing the engagement of young cancer professionals, especially. My role as the Founder and CEO of the National Cancer Council of Mongolia has equipped me with valuable experience in advocacy, policy formulation, and service development for diverse target groups, underscoring my commitment to advancing cancer control initiatives. I have actively participated in several UICC initiatives, including the Country Champion program, the Breast Cancer Project, and the ATOM initiative to improve access to cancer medicines.
My experience in cancer prevention, HPV vaccination, and childhood cancer will be useful at UICC. I am deeply committed to contributing to UICC by actively engaging in efforts to expand access to oncology medicines, advocating for patient-centered policies, and advancing research to address current gaps in cancer control. It would be a great honor to contribute to U ICC's mission and ensure that cancer control continues to be a high priority in the worldwide efforts to promote health in the 2030 Agenda for SDG.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

For the past 23 years, I have dedicated my efforts to policy development and advocacy. I held leadership positions at the government level and have served as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Council of Mongolia since 2014.
I have served as a principal investigator for numerous studies on cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine, tobacco control, and childhood cancer. My commitment and dedication have been valuable in driving policy changes and evidence-based decisions, including reintroducing HPV vaccination programs, approving policies on childhood cancer, and leading Mongolia as the first country to implement the UICC ATOM initiative.
I successfully mobilized resources and secured international grants to establish a "home away home" service for cancer patients traveling from rural areas to the city, providing transportation and psychosocial support services.
Additionally, I am honored to have engaged in a diverse array of international oncology collaborations, such as serving as a Member of the St Jude Global Euro Regional Advisory Committee and as a Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO) Ambassador.
There is a need to engage diverse global partners along with representatives from LMICs to promote prevention and early detection to decrease the global cancer burden. With my extensive experience and network in the international arena, I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to addressing cancer inequity.

Stella Bialous
Professor, University of California San Francisco

California, USA

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

I have over 30 years of experience strengthening the capacity of nurses to care for people across the cancer continuum and promoting tobacco control, from prevention to cessation, from individual and communities to national and international policies. Early in my career I was fortunate to have mentors, including from UICC, who supported and encouraged me to develop leadership skills. I am committed to continue to use my role on the Board to mentor new leaders, focusing on nurses and leaders from LMICs, supporting their professional development and empowering them to be change agents. In my time on the Board, I have worked with capacity building, advocacy and policy, and membership engagement. I have supported UICC priorities to outreach to new partners, strengthening the linkages between cancer and other NCDs and the Sustainable Development Goals. I am especially interested in contributing my extensive expertise to UICC’s work on a holistic approach to cancer care and control, including environmental factors and the social determinants of health. This approach offers avenues to expand UICC’s global contribution to cancer care equity. A new term on the Board will bolster and solidify my contributions to global cancer control, building on my skills and experience in capacity building, and establishment of partnerships for cancer and tobacco control. It will also allow me to continue to work to expand LMICs’ representation and involvement in UICC's activities and initiatives.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

I started my nursing career in Brazil, continuing my education in the USA. My background gives me a personal understanding of the challenges of addressing cancer care in limited resource settings. It also energizes me to promote global cancer care equity. It started in the early 1990s , being involved with the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care, when I was mentored by global leaders in cancer care and became a voice for strengthening cancer care capacity. I remain engaged with the Society, focusing on mentorship to promote the voices of nurses in the policy arena. I have always defended that the largest group of health care professionals in the world need to have a seat at the decision making able, but importantly, need to be prepared to contribute when the opportunity arises. At the same time, I started my trajectory in global tobacco control, working with the WHO, and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and others. I work with colleagues in many countries and regions, and supporting cancer care and tobacco control professionals in LMICs is a particular area of strength. As someone who has worked in a range of settings and with various institutions, I create bridges between academia, clinical practice and advocacy, having worked in all these spaces, and using research evidence to improve care for communities and individuals. My experience prepared me to use my role on the Board to strengthen emerging leaders’ contributions to cancer and tobacco control.

Eric Bouffet

Professor of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

Toronto, Canada

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

I am a paediatric oncologist. During my carrier, I have been increasing involved in global oncology. Being President of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) between 2016 and 2019 gave me the opportunity to better understand the needs and challenges that children and families face around the world. Today, nearly 90% of children under the age of 14 live in countries with limited resources (LMICs). At UICC, I am representing SIOP and my objective is to be the voice of children and families in UICC initiatives. I have had the privilege and the pleasure to serve two terms in the Board of Directors of UICC, and my wish – with the support of SIOP – is to be a candidate for a third term.

During my first two terms, I have learned a lot about UICC, developed connections that gave me more insight in the field of Global Oncology. My wish is to use this experience to better serve patients and families. There is a lot to do for children with cancer: to improve the diagnosis, as in some countries, the majority of children with cancer are not even diagnosed. To advocate for better access to treatment and the implementation of a Universal Health Coverage that covers all the costs of the treatment. To improve access to drugs for patients, particularly through the programme of the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition. My wish is also to continue to advocate for a better prevention of avoidable cancers by promoting campaigns for a healthier life (never start tobacco, more exercise, less obesity, HPV vaccine).

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

I have worked as oncologist since 1987, initially in the paediatric and adult fields and eventually my focus has been in paediatric oncology, more particularly in paediatric neuro-oncology (PNO). Between 2000 and 2022, I have developed in Toronto a large PNO program that has gained a worldwide reputation in research and clinical care for children with brain tumours. As our programme was expanding, I have also paid a special attention to the care of children with brain tumours in LMICs. In this context, I have developed several successful twinning initiatives in PNO, first with Jordan, and then with several countries, including Pakistan, Francophone Africa, Ghana, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Egypt, Lebanon, South Asia and Iran. 

I have learned a lot from these experiences, I have worked in numerous hospitals in all continents, seen the diversity in the level of care between places and worked with colleagues to try to optimise the care of their patients. I think that I can continue to bring this knowledge to UICC and actively contribute to the success of UICC mission to advance cancer control globally. Over the last 10 years, I have become increasingly involved in international activities through SIOP as President, through UICC and as mentioned above, through various networks. I think that this experience and my international connections around the world will continue to be an asset in this position.

Maira Caleffi
Founding President
FEMAMA

Porto Alegre, Brazil

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

Be part of the board during the last cycle allowed me to help build a new perspective for global cancer advocacy that involves addressing social and cultural issues that affect patients worldwide, influencing and supporting their access to early diagnosis, adequate treatment, and quality of life. Our work is just beginning, and much remains to be done. I'm committed to continuing my efforts to change people's realities, improving their chances of receiving dignified cancer care, enhancing their quality of life, and providing a real chance of curing or controlling their disease. I firmly believe that we can shape the future by helping global leaders and governments promote more effective public policies for oncological patients. Cancer control transcends traditional healthcare boundaries, emphasizing its relevance to global society. As a breast surgeon overseeing a leading hospital in southern Brazil and as the leader and founder of FEMAMA, Brazil's premier federation supporting women with cancer, I have significantly enhanced access to an improved journey for women with cancer, especially breast and cervical cancer. My advocacy efforts have inspired similar initiatives across Latin America and beyond. I am dedicated to driving further progress towards universal health coverage
worldwide, as we have in Brazil and a few other countries. This includes ensuring access to essential cancer medicines, investing in cancer prevention and control, and stimulating patient engagement.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

As an experienced and dedicated professional in the field of cancer advocacy for more than three decades, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role of Board Candidate. Throughout my tenure as a UICC Board Member during the 2022-2024 cycle, I have facilitated partnerships and engagement nationally and globally, fostering dialogue between the public and private sectors, advocating for the urgent needs of oncological patients and highlighting social and gender disparities in cancer care. My efforts have driven policy changes to bridge these gaps, enhancing early access to oncological cancer diagnosis and treatment. I actively promote discussions among international coalitions and participate as a lecturer at global congresses, serving as an advisory board member for several initiatives, sharing insights and advancements in cancer care. My strategic vision and leadership skills have been instrumental in driving progress towards universal health coverage, ensuring access to essential cancer medicines, promoting cancer prevention and control, and fostering patient engagement. I firmly believe that my experience, passion, and dedication make me a highly qualified candidate for the Board position, and I am eager to continue making a positive impact on global cancer advocacy efforts.

Hana Chaar Choueib
General Manager
Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

As CCCL’s General Manager, I am committed to advancing global cancer control. Having served 2 terms on the UICC Board, I have witnessed the significant impact of UICC's collaborative efforts in reducing the global cancer burden. I am eager to continue contributing to this mission, leveraging my experience, skills, and dedication to making a meaningful difference in cancer care worldwide.
Through the 20 years at CCCL and 10 years at a well-known telecommunication company, my expertise in strategic planning, organizational management, and stakeholder engagement has driven CCCL’s successes and will help the in-coming board. Internationally, I have built strong networks with cancer organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers across various regions which have given me deep understanding of the global cancer landscape and the unique challenges faced by our country and especially in low resources setup.
My primary objective is to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies that enhance UICC's mission, global vision of cancer control, promotion of equity in cancer care, and highlight on the importance of communication between UICC members and always being up to day and follow the new trends emerging.
In my previous terms on the UICC Board, I contributed actively to key initiatives and strategies, particularly in governance, finance, communication and innovation and I am enthusiastic to continue working on these aspects after your vote of confidence.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

A wealth of experience and a proven track record in cancer control qualify me for the UICC Board Of Directors. For 30 years, I have demonstrated my ability to lead prominent organizations effectively, leading numerous initiatives that have significantly improved cancer care and support services in the country by being innovative and up to date with all the new emerging technologies.
Under my leadership, CCCL has implemented strategic programs that have enhanced access to cancer treatment, prevention, and early detection for 10 years. The robust network built with international cancer organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the global cancer landscape and their diverse needs. Fostering collaborations is one of my main interests as it is an essential aspect to have between members in showing the impact of unifying together against cancer.
In my previous terms on the UICC Board, I have actively contributed in setting strategic objectives and identifying areas for development in different fields related to governance and cancer control.
I am passionately committed to promoting equity in cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. My focus on making cancer treatment accessible and affordable aligns with UICC's priority areas.
My passion for cancer control make me a strong candidate for the UICC Board , and I will continue leveraging my experience With UICC to lessen the global cancer burden.

Todd Harper
CEO
Cancer Council Victoria

Melbourne, Australia

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

We have made precious gains in tobacco control, treatment and support for cancer patients.
We now face a growing cancer burden at a time of significant challenge to the sustainability of our health and cancer systems in the face of persistent inequities, workforce constraints, health system financing, AMR and climate change, to name a few.
My commitment to the UICC and the global community is to advance our collective goals for universal health coverage, prevention and screening, and empowering cancer patients through enhanced supportive care and cancer navigation.
Having worked for decades in cancer prevention, I am committed to the collective capacity of our organisations to share expertise and programs to transform outcomes and push back against the influence of the tobacco, junk food and alcohol industries.
I have seen the impact of supportive care and navigation for cancer patients; with the cost of cancer, rising cancer diagnoses and workforce constraints these must be priorities for cancer control. I understand the impact that population strategies in media, law, policy and economics can have in lifting health outcomes and reducing inequities, and how sharing expertise enables this work.
I am committed to UICC’s UHC advocacy which is vital for improving equity, effectiveness and value for money in our health care systems and understanding how the potential of AI and new technologies must be available for all.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

My experience in advocacy, programs, executive leadership and governance can well support the vital work of UICC.
For thirty years, I have led advocacy in public health and cancer, serving in key roles at Cancer Council Victoria, Quit, VicHealth, the Non-communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance and the Tasmanian AIDS Council.
As CEO of Cancer Council Victoria since 2011, I have led our impactful work in cancer research, prevention, support, and advocacy at a time when we have led vital work in tobacco plain packaging, solarium bans, educational campaigns on junk food, smoking, vaping, and cancer screening.
We established the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, collaborated with Deakin University on the Economics of Cancer, and the Victorian Cancer Registry became the timeliest in the world.
I also served as a Director and President of the NCD Alliance (2017-23) and currently Chair the NCDA Grant Oversight Sub-Committee and bid committee for the UICC's World Cancer Leader’s Summit in Melbourne 2025.
I have played a key role in tobacco control, advertising reforms, cancer and tobacco laws, and media campaigns in bowel and cervical cancer.
I hold academic qualifications in Economics, Health Promotion, and Health Economics, and received an Honorary Doctorate for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health in 2018.
In 2022, I was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for Significant Service to Cancer Support Programs and Medical Governance.

Christopher Jackson
Professor of Medical Oncology
University of Otago

Dunedin, New Zealand

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

I am a Medical Oncologist and Professor from New Zealand deeply committed to better, fairer, more equitable cancer care. UICC is the peak global body dedicated to achieving this, and it would be an honour to serve to achieve meaningful change.

As a practising oncologist, I know it takes collective action to achieve structural change to achieve the most for patients. NZ had world-leading smokefree policies that were undone by vested interests. Progress is fragile. We are stronger together, and I want to work with UICC to deliver change that reaches everyone.

I work with indigenous, disadvantaged and rural populations, and I have published extensively on quality and access to care. I am passionate about equity, and want to bring this lens to the UICC board.

I was Medical Director for the Cancer Society of NZ, instigating the first National Cancer Plan in over 15 years, and advocacy that led to the establishment of a national cancer agency. I was a driver of work that led to 26 new cancer drugs being funded. I work with the International Cancer Benchmarking Project to better understand international variations in outcomes and care. I will bring strong advocacy capability to UICC, and understand many of the challenges facing access to medicines.

By working together as a global community we can be a powerful force for change. My work with patients, governments, charities, research groups, professional societies and in advocacy gives me strong skills to bring to UICC

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

I have a track record of effective leadership that results in meaningful change for patients. I am a clinician, advocate, researcher, leader, and teacher. My family is affected by cancer. My rich and diverse experience in the many arms of cancer control means I can be a highly effective contributor to UICC.

My advocacy led to a National Cancer Plan, a National Cancer Agency, and better access to cancer medicines. Through this I learned how to engage with governments, media, and patient-led charities to deliver change. My approach is nuanced, evidence based, and comprehensive.

I am an experienced leader. I served on ASCO’s Asia-Pacific Council, lead NZ’s Cancer Agency clinical committee and serve on its Board, have been a board member of the Cancer Society of NZ and helped establish and steer Bowel Cancer NZ. I am on the Journal of Global Oncology Editorial Board, am working on the Lancet Commission for Cancer in Commonwealth Countries, and am on London Global Cancer Week steering committee. I’m a founding member of – and hold a leadership role with - the Common Sense Oncology movement.

Cancer care and policy is a complex ecosystem, and we need sophisticated global collaboration, and UICC is best placed to lead this. My breadth and depth of experience helps me understand how to advance policies that will work, that represent a broad range of interests, and will make a meaningful difference to the lives of people and families affected by cancer.

Dilyara Kaidarova
Chairman of the board
Kazakh Institute Of Oncology and Radiology

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

Understanding country’s healthcare challenges in conditions of limited funding, KazIOR adopted the National Cancer ControlPlan with attraction additional funding to existing services and allocate more budget to such important areas as molecular genetic testing, targeted therapy and immunotherapy drugs, free imaging for all patients, as well as measures to provide access to best cancer care for all.

As a cancer care policymaker in the region, I involved oncologists of Central Asia/Caucasus along with KazIOR to international collaboration in cancer care, screening, research programmes and tumourboards.

I combined broad clinical responsibilities with research work in the field of oncology, for what I was pleased to be elected to a Lancet Commission, ASCO International Affairs and IGCS Council of Asia and Oceania

I have been actively involved in the work of UICC where I has gained a profound experience in the promotion of comprehensive cancer care, objectives, and principles at Eurasian and local levels. As a result, the World Cancer Leader’s Summit was held in Nur-Sultan in 2019.

I was Medical Director for the Cancer Society of NZ, instigating the first National Cancer Plan in over 15 years, and advocacy that led to the establishment of a national cancer agency. I was a driver of work that led to 26 new cancer drugs being funded. I work with the International Cancer Benchmarking Project to better understand international variations in outcomes and care. I will bring strong advocacy capability to UICC, and understand many of the challenges facing access to medicines.

By working together as a global community we can be a powerful force for change. My work with patients, governments, charities, research groups, professional societies and in advocacy gives me strong skills to bring to UICC

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

I graduated from Kazakh medical institute, and have 30 years of experience.

Since May 2016, I am a Director of the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology (KazIOR), combining clinical, research, and administrative activities.

I am also a member of the Higher Scientific and Technical Commission under the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Since 2016, the Chief Editor of the journal "Oncology and Radiology of Kazakhstan".

As a clinician, I have performed around 12,000 surgeries. I am the author of more than 120 printed scientific works, and act as a scientific supervisor of PhD students.

With my personal participation, the scope of international cooperation of KazIOR in the field of medical science and training has expanded. Since 2009 I am permanent member of ESGO, and since 2010 a member of ASCO. As a member of UICC, I organised the World Cancer Leader’s Summit held in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan in 2019.

David Kerr
Professor of Cancer medicine
University of Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

I believe that by joining the UICC Board I will be able to amplify the work that I have undertaken in the past to improve global cancer control and support the UICC’s objectives over the next 3 years. In terms of my own skill set, I am a Past President of ESMO (representing the society at the UN’s inaugural meeting on Non Communicable Diseases, 2011, I currently Chair ASCO’s international affairs committee and I have supported national Cancer Control plans in the UK (as health adviser to three former Prime Ministers), Iraq and several Sub Saharan (SSA) countries and recently Co-Chaired the Lancet Commission on Cancer Control in SSA. I established two organisations to enable training oncologists and nurses in India and SSA, linked to my University of Oxford.
My primary objective would be to support the UICC management team in meeting the milestones established by the Board. In particular, extending UICC’s mission to interact with the wider cancer control community, across which, at societal, governmental and individual levels, I have many contacts and friends. I established the Journal of Global Oncology for ASCO as founding editor in chief and have attended a number of UICC congresses to speak and present this new Journal, which focusses on cancer care, research, and care delivery issues unique to countries and settings with limited healthcare resources.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

Its always difficult to avoid seeming bigheaded in answering such a question! I am a senior practising medical oncologist with a global profile for my research (top 1% of published cancer researchers) and my contribution to cancer control has been recognised by the award of several honours, including; six visiting Professorships in overseas institutions; the Harvard Distinguished Cancer leader award; the Tianfu Friendship Award, China; awarded CBE by HM Queen Elizabeth. I have had the opportunity to visit, lecture and perform clinical duties in over 60 different countries around the globe allowing me to develop friendships with many practising oncologists and governmental officials. I have a track record of delivery, nationally in the UK with planning and delivering the first national cancer plan and internationally with support for cancer control plans in SSA and the Middle East. I am a clear communicator, lecturing all over the world and use my Medscape videos to promulgate the importance of unity in serving the cause of global cancer control. Although I have been a Professor in Glasgow and Birmingham, I find that Oxford offers a unique environment with expertise which I can tap into. I established a course on Global Health Diplomacy for international students which drew on existing high level legal, diplomatic, social scientific, policy and anthropological expertise within Oxford Faculty. I have no doubt that we are all improved by working with a multidisciplinary focus.

Purna Kurkure

Senior Advisor, Clinical Collegium for Oncology Services & Head, Division of Pediatric Haemato- Oncology & BMT SRCC Children’s Hospital Managed by Narayana Health  Mumbai

Joint Managing Trustee & In-charge, Survivorship & Rehabilitation Division

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

I would like to contribute to key thematic areas which UICC focuses upon such as cervical cancer elimination, patient engagement, cancer prevention, survivorship, affordability & equal access to quality care which are major issues in LMICS.
 UICC is the ideal organization to convene the voice of civil society with its membership including diverse groups of organizations with a reach of over 170 countries which helps to integrate cancer control into the world health and developmental agenda.
I have been involved in prioritizing cancer control as a joint managing trustee of Indian Cancer Society (ICS), a premier NGO in India. I have more than three decades of experience in a tertiary cancer center, Tata Memorial Hospital, India’s premier cancer hospital & influencer in southeast Asia. It has had a close association with UICC since its inception and hosted the UICC World Congress in 1994 as a member of organizing committee.  
As a steering committee member of UICC Indian Spoke, and National coordinator of Indian National training program in practical pediatric oncology I conducted a workshop on Childhood Cancer under ‘MY CHILD MATTERS’ initiative of UICC at Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 2007.
As the President of Local Organizing committee for 39th Congress of SIOP held at Mumbai October-November 2007, organized a joint Symposium with UICC.ICS and UICC –Indian Spoke had marked US $10000 to sponsor Nurses Cancer survivors from India and SAARC Countries to attend SIOP 2007

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

I have contributed and made sea change in pediatric oncology in India and have been recognized as a leader at national & international level. I would like to leverage this experience to delve in the global oncology issues. UICC has strategic alliances with other major stakeholders, namely the NCD Alliance, WHO, IARC, IAEA, SIOP 
I am National coordinator for HPV immunization awareness Project of Indian Academy of Pediatrics in collaboration with American Cancer Society &Cancer Foundation India & would like to engage with UICC on HPV immunization & screening program in LMIC to fulfil WHO’s mission of eliminating cervical cancer. I have also been associated with WHO Global initiative for childhood cancer, I would like to work with UICC as a partner in this unique initiative.
I hold numerous leadership positions both nationally and internationally on board of directors, governing councils and executive committees of various hospitals, research centers, governmental organizations, Civil Society cancer care organizations, advocacy groups and professional bodies.
Having delivered over 300 lectures, keynote addresses and orations, I am comfortable speaking and interacting at the highest levels. I have a strong scientific background, having authored around 150 peer-reviewed publications. This unique position of being a clinician, researcher, administrator, and a leader gives me the advantage of bringing the right blend of science and action into the fight on cancer control.

Gilberto Lopes
Chief Medical Oncologist
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami

Florida, USA

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

As a native Brazilian who has lived and worked in Asia, Latin and North America, I have seen first-hand the issues that hamper cancer control spanning three continents and settings from low to high-income countries, including underserved areas in the latter. These experiences have cemented my conviction that as a united community we can promote greater equity and bring cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment to the global health and development agendas, reducing the burden of the disease around the world. Cancer has also touched my personal and family life, which moves me to fight the disease with even more tenacity and effort.

Over the years, I have developed a network of contacts and friends in governments, civil society, academic and United Nations organizations, which I hope to leverage in supporting UICC's missions and priorities of bringing together the cancer community and world leaders, building capacity to meet regional and national goals, and transforming commitments into local actions.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

I am a practicing physician, and accomplished researcher, educator, administrator, and cancer advocate, as well as a leader in Global Oncology and cancer control. I have closely collaborated with researchers, policy makers and patient advocates around the world. I have run hundreds of clinical trials, which have led to the approval of several anticancer agents, as well as health economics, access and outcomes studies that have informed policy makers and supported advocates in increasing access to cancer medications around the world. I have served as an expert to the WHO and the IAEA in official cancer-related missions and I have advised on national cancer control plans in Asia and Latin America. I have served in leadership positions with oncology societies in Singapore, Brazil and the United States, including ASCO’s International Affairs Committee. I have also supported UICC’s missions in several forms. As Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Global Oncology, a collaboration with UICC, I have led the Journal to become the main outlet for Global Oncology research. I was also co-chair of UICC’s review of the WHO Essential Medicines List for cancer and I have served on the Technical Board of the City Cancer Challenge initiative.

Kenji Lopez-Cuevas
President
Cancer Warriors of Mexico Foundation

Mexico City, Mexico

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

After losing his mother diagnosed with Breast Cancer, in 2017 he decided to constitute Cancer Warriors of Mexico Foundation with an specific objective: using law and public policies as effective weapons in the fight against cancer.



As a Mexican Lawyer, Kenji has a remarkable experience structuring initiatives and programs for the benefit of both minors and adults diagnosed with cancer and also for the early prevention of this disease. As of today, the foundation he led has achieved the amendment of eight legislations across the country, benefiting more than 14,000 people.



He has seized the opportunity to serve as a current Member of the Board of the UICC as a way to show other Latin America region NGOs how to use these mechanisms to solve cancer patient’s adversity situations and how to work with decision makers.



Structuring National Cancer Control Plans warranted with the use of legislation such as General or National Cancer Laws is a challenge faced worldwide. Kenji is working with a solid grupo of NGOs, health and public sector in Mexico to fulfill this objective. Once they achieve it, Kenji is planning to show other organizations how to work on it and to guarantee early detection and comprehensive access to treatment for cancer patients worldwide, using the network of the UICC as a formal platform.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

Degree in Law and a Masters Degree in Public Policy from the Tecnologico de Monterrey. He has studied at Harvard University, Georgetown, and the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, in Spain. He is a member of the Mexican Bar Association.

He has held various positions in legal firms and public institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Labor, Mexican Presidency, and the Mexican Foreign Ministry, serving as Director for UN Specialized Organizations.

In 2017, he constituted Cancer Warriors of Mexico Foundation, whose mission is to get involved in Mexico's public health agenda, particularly in terms of innovation and modification of public policies and the presentation of initiatives and legislative amendments to improve the living conditions of patients diagnosed with cancer and their families.



In October 2020, he became the first Mexican lawyer to hold a position on the Board of Directors of the UICC; reelected for the term 2022-2024 and acting as Chair for the Capacity Building Committee and serving as member of Governance and Knowledge, Advocacy and Policy Committees.



He is also an active member of the Mexico’s Bar Association for Lawyers and serves as member of the Oversight Committee of the McCabe Center for Law and Cancer, based in Australia. He has also served as a jury in a variety of contests focused on the health sector.

Asem Mansour
Chief Executive Officer/Director GeneralKing Hussein Cancer Center

Amman, Jordan

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

First and foremost reason would be leveraging my long-lived experience and the diverse, acquired knowledge of over 20 years in Cancer care throughout promoting KHCC as a model for other healthcare institutions of neighboring Countries with similar cultural settings that face countless challenges in the context of healthcare delivery and management.
Over the past two years, while serving as a Board member at UICC, I effectively utilized my extensive background as a CEO of a Cancer Center in a low-income country to contribute valuable insights and perspectives.
My primary focus has always been on bridging the gap between resource-rich and low-income countries, with a specific emphasis on enhancing life-saving treatments & cutting-edge research in the Middle East.
By strategically investing in clinical & academic priorities, we aim to improve overall services and deliver a comprehensive patient experience that will help alleviate human suffering in affected areas. Since taking on this role in 2012, my mission has been dedicated to providing top-quality care to our patients and advocating for preventive measures to combat the rising rates of Cancer in regions with limited resources.
I strive to foster international connections with medical and academic establishments to acquire new competencies that can be utilized to enhance access to education, training, and public awareness.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

My proactive approach to improving institutional core competencies, including human capital and infrastructure.
In pursuit of these continuous efforts, I focused my outreach, and initiatives as a leader, towards positioning KHCC regionally as a leading Oncology Center by capitalizing on recent advancements and success in the fields of Cancer Control, Cancer Care, and Oncology Training as well as promoting action-oriented translational research to implement successful programs from high-income countries in all necessary settings.
Our commitment to cancer advocacy is evident through my leadership in Jordan's National Breast Program as it provides breast cancer screening services to underprivileged women in Jordan, with a focus on early detection. Prior to its establishment, a large number of cases were only detected in advanced stages, resulting in low survival rates through a multidimensional strategy, JBCP has successfully identified gaps leading to potential improvements in future survival rates.
While leading KHCC, we successfully developed a wide array of services, excelling in both clinical & non-clinical activities through strategic partnerships with prestigious institutions globally.
During my time working with UICC, I played a key role in the Membership Committee, working with colleagues to identify possibilities for geographical & numerical expansion. Additionally, I shared my knowledge and perspective as a CEO while serving on the Financial & Audit Committee.

Miriam Mutebi
Consultant Breast Surgical Oncology
African Organisation for Research & Training in Cancer (AORTIC)

Nairobi, Kenya

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

It has been an incredible honor to serve on the UICC board over the past term and I am eager to seek your support for another term. Working alongside a dedicated team, I have had the privilege of leading initiatives such as the Commonwealth taskforce for cervical cancer elimination which has significantly enhanced our support to low- and middle-income countries and expanded our advocacy efforts. I have also contributed to the access to oncology medicines programs (ATOM) which has successfully secured funding to bring essential treatments closer to where they are most needed.

My commitment to UICC's mission remains unwavering. I am driven by the progress we have made and the potential to achieve even more. In the future, I aim to strengthen our partnerships with our international organizations including AORTIC, enhance data collection and analysis and expand our educational programs to reach more healthcare professionals & communities worldwide

I believe my experience combined with my passion for cancer control, position me to continue making meaningful contributions to the board. I am committed to fostering innovation & collaboration to address the evolving challenges in cancer control

I respectfully ask for your support in my re-election. With your backing, I am confident in my ability to help lead the UICC towards a future where every patient has timely access to life saving cancer care

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
Dr Miriam Mutebi

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

I am honored to seek reelection to the UICC Board of Directors, driven by my commitment to advancing global cancer control and health equity as president of AORTIC(African Organization for research and training in Cancer)
During my tenure on the board, I have led initiatives that expand support to underserved regions & improving access to vital cancer care. Simultaneously at AORTIC, we have focused on strengthening research capabilities, training healthcare professionals and advocating for policy in improvements in cancer care across Africa
Advocacy has been central to my leadership. Collaborating closely with international health organizations, I have successfully advocated for increased funding & policy support for cancer care & research, ensuring cancer remains a global health priority. It is in recognition of these efforts that I was the recipient of the 2024 ASCO Humanitarian award. This advocacy extends to promoting awareness & preventive measures in cancer care, leveraging platforms provided by both UICC & AORTIC

Education & capacity building are core to my vision. Through UICC, we empower healthcare workers with advanced knowledge in cancer management. Strengthening partnerships with international organizations globally including AORTIC, amplifies our impact, fostering collaboration& innovation.

I am eager to continue contributing to our shared goals. With your support, I am confident we can achieve significant progress in global cancer control& health equity

Omar Nimri
President Jordan Cancer Society / MD at JCDC
Jordan Cancer Society.

Amman, Jordan

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

UICC Board…. to me it is an honor and a chance to serve better and more influential, not in my surroundings and locality only but globally, and hopefully make significant impact on cancer control. My desire to join stems from a commitment to leveraging my expertise, skills, and almost thirty years of knowledge in cancer control journey to support UICC’s mission. I bring diverse skills and extensive local, regional, and international involvement to the table. My work has taken me across various continents, allowing me to collaborate with international organizations, MECC, WHO, CDC, IAEA, IARC-IACR, UN health agencies…. UICC, and more, governmental and local communities.
As a UICC Board member, I aim to advocate for developing and implementing robust National Cancer Control Programs (NCCPs), promote equity in cancer care, and enhance cancer prevention and early detection programs. I'm committed and advocating to reducing disparities and ensuring all patients, regardless of socioeconomic, geographic location, have tangible access to high-quality care. Cancer prevention and early detection programs that focus on diagnosis to reduce cancer incidence and improve survival rates. Creating spaces for discussion on emerging leadership trends exploring collaborations and building management and organizational know-how across the UICC membership.
UICC's priority, to unite, support, reduce cancer burden, equity, and cancer control and serving on board and being dedicated to

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

As candidate for the coming UICC board of directors which I am eager to join, I believe my expertise in cancer control gained from extensive work as head of cancer prevention dept. and director of the national cancer registry, along with international experience and involvements collaborating with experts from diverse backgrounds.
I share UICC’s vision for cancer control aiming for increased investment in prevention, early detection, treatment, and care, especially in low- and middle-income countries, with more commitments to the UICC’s goals that plays critical role in shaping cancer control policies and strategies.
I bring a unique blend of public health, epidemiology, and cancer prevention skills, backed by my extensive educational background, including a Master's in Public Health and multiple diplomas from prestigious institutions like the University of Michigan and IARC. My international experience spans continents, allowing me to engage with diverse healthcare systems and contribute to global cancer control initiatives.
My UICC collaborations goes to more than 18 years back. My previous contributions to UICC, including active participation and presenting in World Cancer Congresses (2006-2022) and different trainings, attempts of making Jordan’s NCCP.
Succeeded to have the MOH, and the cancer registry a full member at the UICC. Recently as a president of the Jordan cancer society, we managed to be a member too as a society and a member of the PGMP group w

C S Pramesh
Director, Tata Memorial Hospital
Convener, National Cancer Grid

Mumbai, India

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

I would like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to intensify efforts at global cancer control and work towards eliminating disparities in access and affordability. UICC is uniquely positioned to advance the cause of cancer control by promoting all aspects of cancer control from prevention, early detection, access to care, palliation, and survivorship. The global nature and diversity of its membership enables the UICC to drive advocacy, and directly influence on-the-ground work, with direct impact on the lives of millions of patients with cancer across the world. I would like to leverage my extensive experience of over 25 years in cancer control towards contributing to UICC's efforts in equity and access. By virtue of leading the National Cancer Grid in India (a network of more than 350 cancer centres, research organisations, patient groups and charities), many initiatives that I have been involved in overlap with UICC activities currently. Having served on the UICC Board for the past four years, I am familiar with most of the initiatives, and I am confident of being able to contribute further in the next two years. With over 70% of new patients with cancer annually likely to be diagnosed from LMICs, it would be critical for voices from these countries to push the UICC agenda for global cancer control in these countries.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

I have been an international leader in global cancer control for the past decade, and was recently awarded the Rachel Pearline Global Cancer Research Humanitarian award by the National Cancer Institute, US. I head the National Cancer Grid in India which is a large network of >350 cancer centres, patient groups and charities including international members. I am highly committed to efforts towards reducing inequities in cancer care and making cancer treatment accessible to all geographic regions and strata of society. As Director of the Tata Memorial Hospital, I lead the strategy team for the largest cancer centre in India. I have worked on several national and international cancer control programmes including the National Cancer Grid-Global and IAEA imPACT reviews. As a member of the UICC Board over the past four years, I have worked closely with the UICC in several subcommittees including membership, knowledge attitude and practice, Congress and Summit. I also work with the City Cancer Challenge initiative and have mentored cities in cancer control. I have been part of several WHO groups including strategic management of cancer, medical devices, global clinical trials amongst others. I work with ASCO, ESMO & IASLC in their committees on international research, education & policy. I will continue to contribute to the Board of Directors at UICC by the depth of experience and wide expertise that I have accumulated over the years.

Kathleen Schmeler
Professor Gynecologic Oncology; Associate VP of Global Oncology

Houston, Texas, USA

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

Dear UICC Members,

It is an honor to be considered for the UICC Board of Directors. As a Gynecologic Oncologist and Associate Vice President of Global Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, I am deeply committed to addressing global cancer disparities, particularly those related to cervical and breast cancer.
 
For >15 years, our team at MD Anderson has collaborated with Ministries of Health, NGOs, academic centers, UN agencies, and the UICC to improve cancer prevention and treatment services globally. This is achieved through training, education, capacity building, and research programs. Although much of our team's work is in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), we also do this very same work at home in Texas. Regions such as the Rio Grande Valley, along the Texas-Mexico border, have cervical cancer incidence and related death rates similar to many LMICs. Through our work globally and in Texas, we see firsthand the disparities related to poor access to screening, early detection and high-quality cancer care. However, we also see the profound impact of collaboration across high-resource and low-resource institutions to address these disparities.
 
It would be a privilege for me to serve on the UICC board and contribute to the mission to “unite and support the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, to promote greater equity, and to ensure that cancer control continues to to be a priority in the world health and development agenda.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

I believe my compassion, experience, and understanding of cancer care challenges in resource-constrained environments, along with my innate ability to use practical solutions, make me an excellent candidate for the UICC Board of Directors. I have worked extensively in Mozambique, Zambia, Indonesia and Latin America to build capacity for cervical cancer screening and treatment through hands-on training and telementoring using Project ECHO. As Associate VP of Global Oncology at MD Anderson, I am collaborating with colleagues to replicate these programs for other disease sites.
 
I co-founded the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Global Fellowship for regions of the world lacking formal training in Gyn Oncology. This 2-year fellowship is conducted in-country and supported by international mentors through virtual trainings and tumor boards and hands-on surgical training through quarterly in-country visits. Since its inception in 2017, the program has expanded from 5 pilot sites to 22 fellowships in 15 countries, graduating >40 fellows who now mentor the next generation of Gyn Oncologists.

I have participated in various UICC activities including the 2023 Regional Dialogue on Women’s Cancers for Asia Pacific and the 2023 WCLS, co-hosted by MD Anderson. I serve on the editorial committee and am a co-author for UICC’s publication on Integrated Approaches for Women's Cancers. I am eager to expand my contributions and thank you for considering me for the UICC Board.

Naoto Ueno
Director
University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center

Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA

Why would you like to be on the UICC Board of Directors?

I am deeply committed to advancing global cancer control and would be honored to join the UICC Board of Directors. I aim to enhance UICC's efforts to address cancer disparities, improve patient outcomes, and advance research. I am particularly interested in UICC's priority areas of research and education, as well as policy and advocacy.

I can represent the perspectives of North America, the Pacific, and Asia. My passion for cancer research and patient care, coupled with my role as Director of the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center, has equipped me with unique expertise in cancer biology and developing various cancer treatments. And I am actively engaged in early-phase clinical trials. Before UH Cancer Center, I served as the director of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer program at MD Anderson Cancer Center for 30 years.

My international experience includes collaborating with researchers and clinicians worldwide, including the diverse populations of Hawai‘i and the Pacific. Additionally, my leadership role with CancerX activities as a board representative in Japan fostered cross-cultural collaborations, shared innovative cancer treatment and research practices, and addressed socio-economic changes related to health disparities.

As a two-time cancer survivor of both liquid and solid tumors, I bring a unique personal perspective to the board. This experience fuels my dedication to improving patient outcomes, addressing health disparities, and advancing cancer research.

What makes you a good candidate for the UICC Board of Directors?

I am a dedicated cancer research and treatment leader with a solid medical oncology and cell biology background. As the Director of the UH Cancer Center, I have successfully led efforts to address health disparities in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Our team has developed innovative cancer drugs and treatments, and I am actively involved in early-phase clinical trials.

My qualifications for the UICC Board of Directors are rooted in my extensive experience in clinical and research settings. I hold an MD and a PhD, with a proven track record in developing and implementing effective cancer treatment strategies. I also have leadership experience in both large comprehensive and small health disparity-driven cancer centers.

As a cancer survivor of both liquid (MDS) and solid (sarcoma) tumors, I bring a unique and personal perspective to the table. This experience drives my commitment to improving cancer care and patient outcomes worldwide.

My international experience includes collaborating with researchers and clinicians globally, particularly in Hawai‘i, the USAPI, and Japan, through CancerX activities. These collaborations have enabled me to foster cross-cultural partnerships and share innovative cancer treatment and research practices.

I am passionate about addressing cancer disparities and improving patient outcomes through innovative research and education. My leadership at the UH Cancer Center has been marked by a commitment to career development for all employees.