Cancer continues to rise as a critical public health challenge, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bearing a disproportionate share of the burden — accounting for over 70% of global cancer deaths. As the international community prepares to implement the 2025 Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), strengthening National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) presents a pivotal opportunity to build more resilient, equitable, and effective cancer care systems.

This timely side event, hosted by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) will convene governments, civil society, UN agencies, and private sector partners to:

• Highlight the critical role of NCCPs in improving cancer outcomes and integrating cancer care within national health systems.
• Discuss collaborative, system-wide strategies to improve access to essential oncology medicines.
• Facilitate cross-sector dialogue on sustainable, scalable approaches to expand access to quality cancer and NCD services, particularly in resource-limited settings.

By aligning national cancer strategies with broader health system priorities, we can accelerate progress toward universal health coverage and reduce global inequities in cancer care.