Global reviews of national cancer control plans and non-communicable disease plans
A recent study coordinated by UICC and the International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP), involving more than 70 international experts, analysed 156 national cancer control plans (NCCPs) and non-communicable disease (NCD) plans.
2025 The Changing Global Landscape of National Cancer Control Plans
Second global review of NCCPs
In 2025 the International Cancer Control Partnership, with project leadership from UICC and NCI, published a second global review of NCCPs and NCD plans. In this collaborative effort, 77 expert reviewers evaluated 98 NCCPs and 58 NCD plans from 156 countries.
The updated survey featured a total of 96 questions covering the entire cancer control continuum. Following the 2018 review, the questions were refined to gain more specific information, focusing on the inclusion of detailed strategies rather than just mentions of intent.
The aim of this second global review was to enhance the global understanding of the current status and content of NCCPs, incorporating 16 new questions on topics such as cancer equity, pandemic preparedness, global WHO initiatives, and other emerging trends.
The domains covered by the review are described here
The data from the second global review is available on the map of plans. The data set is regularly updated as plans become publicly available.
A 2-pager featuring key results of the global review is available for download:
Access the full review in the Lancet Oncology
Key findings of the 2025 global review
Key findings revealed improvements in some areas since the 2018 review. Notably, the inclusion of financing strategies in plans increased from 7% in 2018 to 27% in 2023. This is important, as a national cancer strategy must be funded for it to be effectively implemented.
Compared to the 2018 review, the 2024 analysis also shows significant progress in the specificity and integration of NCCPs. However, persistent challenges in resource allocation and equitable access to cancer services highlight the need for continued efforts to address these gaps.
There are other challenges, particularly in connecting screening program to prompt access to treatment. This means that even when cancers are found early through screening, some patients still face delays or difficulties in getting the necessary treatment quickly.
For example, 90% of plans included breast and cervical cancer early detection strategies. However, half (50%) of the plans did not include radiotherapy strategies, which plays a vital role in cancer treatment by effectively killing cancer cells and shrinking tumours. And only a quarter (26%) mentioned WHO’s Model Lists of Essential Medicines, which is a register of those medications considered the most effective, safe, and necessary to meet a country’s priority health care needs.
The study also found that very few NCCPs included evidence-based recommendations for their strategies and interventions. Only 23% of NCCPs and 12% of NCD plans included an evidence base with references for some strategies, highlighting a significant area for improvement.
By providing current data and insights, this report aims to support countries in refining their cancer control strategies and ensuring resilience against future health crises.
Overview of challenges
- Resource constraints: Many countries, particularly low-income ones, still face significant financial and logistical barriers to fully implementing their plans.
- Health system strengthening: Improving the overall capacity of health systems to deliver comprehensive cancer care remains a critical need.
- Equity issues: Ensuring equitable access to cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care services for all population groups is an ongoing challenge.
- Data and surveillance: Strengthening cancer registries and surveillance systems to provide accurate and timely data for decision-making is essential.
- Adaptability: Developing flexible and resilient cancer control plans that can adapt to emerging health threats, such as pandemics, is crucial.
Proportion of plans with different stakeholders during development (%)
“The advancements in early detection and treatment strategies as well as a greater inclusion of financing strategies, from 7% in 2018 to 27% in 2023, are particularly commendable. The fact that nearly 75% of plans, however, still do not include strategies to fund the cancer control ambition is disappointing. The progress in the number of detailed and well-coordinated plans is also encouraging because they include clear targets and timelines, which should lead in time to better outcomes in cancer control efforts. The gaps in accessing essential medicines and treatments, on the other hand, remain a global concern and show the need for continued international collaboration.”
Cary Adams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
Proportion of plans with different stakeholders during implementation (%)
“Only about 10% of cancer patients in low-income countries have access to radiotherapy, compared to 90% in high-income countries, with approximately 20 out of 54 countries in Africa lacking any radiotherapy facilities. The integration of radiotherapy into cancer control strategies is more crucial than ever. This review highlights both the progress made and the gaps that persist, particularly in access to this lifesaving technology.”
Lisa Stevens, co-author and Director of the Division of Programme of Action for Cancer Control (PACT) at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a member of ICCP
2018 National cancer control plans: a global analysis
In 2018 the International Cancer Control Partnership, with project leadership from WHO and UICC, conducted the first global review of NCCPs and other cancer-related documents. As part of this international collaboration, a group of 67 expert reviewers based in 16 different countries reviewed over 500 documents from 158 countries. The survey consisted of a 121-question tool covering the cancer control continuum. It was based on the WHO questionnaire published in the Lancet Oncology.
The purpose of the review was to understand the strengths and limitations of current plans and the key domains addressed. Data from the review has been used by various stakeholders, from national planners to researchers to civil society, to advocate for NCCPs that are effectively formulated, financed, implemented and monitored.
