2024-2026 Board of Directors and President-elect profiles

Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu
Founder/Chief Executive 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.

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.

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.

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 General
King 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

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.