Message from the CEO

What an extraordinary year for UICC members and partners. In addition to the consequences of the pandemic for families and friends, individuals in UICC member organisations in practically every country have struggled to take forward the work they do. Ironically, 2020 may be the first time that recorded cancer cases will have fallen, but not because our generation has successfully addressed cancer risk factors around the world, rather because people have been hesitant or unable to visit their doctor with the early signs of cancer or for screening. The cancer burden has certainly not reduced – the great cancer catchup has just begun.

The UICC team in Geneva has had to respond to the pandemic in a similar way to most other organisations. We have worked remotely since March 2020, converted all our services to virtual alternatives and, very sadly, had to cancel many face-to-face meetings including the World Cancer Congress and World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in Oman. Despite all this change, we have continued to work closely with our members and partners to help each other through the day-to-day challenges thrown up by COVID-19. The commitment shown by the team has been incredible and we concluded the year feeling closer to our members and partners as a result.

In late 2020, we conducted a survey to understand the financial impact of the pandemic on our members. Almost all respondents confirmed our fears that our community is having to deal with significant financial challenges. With many fundraising events cancelled, the focus of national governments on COVID-19 and a reduced reach into the general public, nearly half of UICC member organisations experienced a fall in annual income of between 25-75%. Patient support, research, prevention campaigns and advocacy agendas have all been compromised and, as a result, we entered 2021 with much to do to address the cancer burden hidden through the pandemic months of 2020. Clearly, the pandemic will continue to impact cancer control in 2021 and 2022.

As ever, the UICC team in Geneva has been inspired by the resilience and commitment of UICC members and partners. We highlighted many moving and inspiring stories on World Cancer Day in February 2021. Against the backdrop of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, the day was celebrated in every country, with social media playing a lead role in an unusual year. We hope that the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines globally will allow for some normality by the end of 2021.

This annual report presents the full scope of UICC’s activities delivered to improve cancer control globally. Activities are reported in three strategic areas aligned with the three core pillars of UICC’s work – Advocacy, Convening and Capacity Building. However, in order to have maximum impact, much of the work leverages the strength of each of these focus areas and is cross-cutting in nature. This includes for example, UICC’s commitment to cervical cancer elimination, breast cancer, tobacco control, and cancer and ageing.

My thanks to all our members and partners who worked with UICC in 2020, the UICC team, our Presidents during the year, Princess Dina Mired and Anil d’Cruz, and the Board of Directors who gave such great support and guidance in 2020. It has been a team effort and I am proud of the way our community has responded and demonstrated resilience.

Dr Cary Adams Chief Executive Officer Union for International Cancer Control