Thematic areas

While UICC works on all aspects of cancer control covering all cancer types, the organisation pays special attention to a number of key thematic areas.

Woman administrating mammography
Antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or drug resistance, including antibiotic resistance, is a growing public health issue and needs urgent attention in countries around the world.

Read more

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer globally. It accounts for 1 in 4 cancer cases among women and is the leading cause of death from cancer in women.

Read more
An older white woman smiling at her daughter as they hold hands

Population ageing will have consequences for cancer control globally as cancer is more prevalent in older adults. Cancer can develop at any age, but the incidence of cancer rises dramatically at a later stage in life.

Read more
Cancer and air pollution

Exposure to air pollution can lead to cancer, stroke, respiratory, cardiovascular diseases and other health issues. Nearly half of lung cancer cases in people who have never smoked are estimated to be related to air pollution.

Read more
Alcohol bottle and glasses

Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for multiple cancers. The risk of developing cancer increases substantially with the amount of alcohol consumed and there is no safe level of consumption when it comes to cancer. 

Read more
 Doctor and patient in a hospital in Mexico

Effective actions by governments, organisations and individuals to reduce the risk factors for cancer, such as the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy foods, can help prevent over one-third of all cancers.

Read more
Women's cancer: two black women hugging each other

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally and currently, one life is lost every 2 minutes to this disease.

Read more
world-map-essential-medicines

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Ensuring the availability of medicines for treatment – including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, antibiotics and for pain relief – is crucial.

Read more
Image shows surgeon at work, emphasising the importance of comprehensive healthcare on in cancer control

Adequate and effective investment is often considered the achilles heel of global cancer control.

Read more
UICC patient engagement in Asia

One of the most important developments in public health policies in the last few decades is the shift from the traditional understanding of patients as merely “recipients of healthcare services” to their conceptualisation as “active participants” in all aspects of their health.

Read more
Vape products for sale at a City Park West convenience store. Sept. 30, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Tobacco kills 8 million people worldwide each year, mainly in low- and middle-income countries where 80% of the world’s smokers live.

Read more
Dr Cary Adams speaking at WHA72

Universal health coverage means that all people can benefit from quality health services, where and when they need them, without suffering financial hardship.

Read more
a nurse providing a vaccine to a young woman - uicc women and cancer

Today, breast and cervical cancer combined are the leading causes of death from cancer in women with over 1 million deaths each year globally. 

Read more

Last update

Wednesday 17 April 2024

Share this page