Cancer Planners Forum: Positioning National Cancer Control Plans as Strategic Investments in the Future of Countries

Abstract

National cancer control plans (NCCPs) are essential instruments for guiding comprehensive and coordinated responses to the growing global cancer burden. This special report summarises key insights from the second Cancer Planners Forum, convened by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in May 2026 in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP). The Forum brought together 120 participants from 54 countries, representing diverse regions, income settings and stages of cancer planning. Discussions highlighted a growing recognition of NCCPs as strategic investments in health systems rather than solely technical planning documents. Key themes included the critical role of robust data systems for priority setting and monitoring, the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement in strengthening plan ownership and accountability and persistent challenges related to financing and implementation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Governance mechanisms, including accountability structures and cross-sectoral coordination, were identified as central to successful implementation. Despite increasing global momentum and a rise in the number of publicly available NCCPs, significant gaps remain between plan development and effective implementation. The Forum underscored the need for strengthened technical assistance in developing resource mobilisation strategies, as well as stronger data systems linked to decision making and continued international collaboration to support countries in translating plans into measurable health outcomes. These findings reinforce the importance of positioning NCCPs as long-term investments in national development and health system strengthening.