In 2017, I was selected as a UICC Young Leader and started the programme by attending the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2017. My participation concluded at the World Cancer Congress 2018 in Kuala Lumpur. Between these events, I was given the opportunity to attend a regional conference or pursue a study visit to learn from countries in similar contexts.

As 2018 draws to a close, it is estimated that cancer will have claimed 9.6 million lives around the world. We know that prevention efforts focusing on reducing risk factors for cancer and other NCDs are a highly cost-effective, long-term strategy to reduce the global burden. In addition, it is essential for prevention strategies to be accompanied by improvements in early detection linked to timely treatment, to address the needs of the millions of people who will still go on to develop cancer.

Highlights UICC key campaigns: Treatment for All and C/Can 2025: City Cancer Challenge, and also emphasises the importance of cancer registries and related research in Asia

An inside look at the process behind changing the World Cancer Day logo.

A myriad of issues threatens sustainability of healthcare systems, hindering patient access and creating policy barriers for potentially impactful private-public partnerships to support patients with cancer. These concerns underpin my work within Health Policy and Healthcare Systems at Novartis Oncology – and they are the compelling force behind our partnership with UICC.