President-elect
The UICC President-elect uses their two-year term to become familiar with all key organisational functions before assuming the role of President. The President-elect provides leadership and support, as agreed with the incumbent President. CS Pramesh, from India, is UICC President-elect 2026-2028.
Dr CS Pramesh’s leadership journey with UICC began in 2020, when he was first elected to the Board. Following three terms as a Board Member, he was elected President-elect in 2026 and will become UICC President in October 2028.
About Dr CS Pramesh
Dr CS Pramesh is Director of the Tata Memorial Hospital and Professor and Head of Thoracic Surgery at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, one of the world's largest comprehensive cancer centres. A surgical oncologist, researcher, and health systems leader, he is recognised internationally for advancing access, quality, and equity in cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr Pramesh serves on the Board of Directors of UICC and ASCO. He is Convener of the National Cancer Grid, a network of over 400 cancer centres, research institutions, and patient advocacy groups across India and partner countries, working to reduce disparities through standardisation, capacity building, research, and collaboration.
A strong advocate for equitable cancer control, Dr Pramesh has focused his career on ensuring access to high-quality cancer care regardless of geography or income. His work spans cancer policy, health systems strengthening, implementation science, value-based care, and overcoming barriers to access. He has led several national and international collaborations to improve cancer outcomes at scale.
Dr Pramesh serves on advisory groups and expert committees for WHO, ASCO, ESMO, and UICC. In recognition of his contributions to global cancer control, he received the Rachel Pearline Award for Global Cancer Research Humanitarianism from the National Cancer Institute. His leadership continues to focus on building stronger, more equitable cancer systems worldwide.
UICC is governed by its member organisations, who meet in a genera assembly, held virtually shortly before the World Cancer Congress, every two years. Between assemblies, a board of directors, elected by the General Assembly, acts as the executive body of UICC.
Governance
The General Assembly is the supreme governing body of the Union for International Cancer Control.
General Assembly
Between assemblies, a board of 16 directors, elected by the General Assembly, acts as the governing body of UICC.
Board of Directors
The UICC President represents the organisation at the highest level and is elected for a two-year term. The President chairs the Board and oversees organisational governance. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, from Nigeria is UICC President 2026-2028. She assumed the role of President-elect from 2024-2026.
President
Dr Cary Adams is the Chief Executive Officer of UICC. He has occupied this position since 2009.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Last update
Wednesday 28 October 2026