The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) published its World Cancer Declaration 2025–2035 framework on November 19, 2025.1 The declaration urges governments and policymakers to take decisive action to reduce the global burden of cancer; promote equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care; and fully integrate cancer control programs into global health and sustainable development agendas.
Launched during the UICC’s World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2025, held in Melbourne, Australia, from November 18–20, the decade-long action plan follows three previous World Cancer Declarations first launched in 2006 and refined in 2008 and again in 2013 to align with the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (2013–2020).2
The new declaration includes a “5×5×5by 2035” framework that encompasses five global targets, five action domains, and five core principles to guide national adaptation of these goals to define measurable progress in cancer control by 2035. These actions, according to UICC, can drive measurable progress in cancer control globally over the next 10 years based on evidence from published studies, international initiatives, and expert guidance. In addition, the declaration provides governments, United Nations’ agencies, civil society, and the private sector with a shared vision to address the global cancer burden and advance progress toward building equitable and resilient health-care systems worldwide, according to UICC.
Recognizing the diversity of health systems and the differences in health-care resources globally, the actions UICC proposes in the 5 x 5 x 5 by 2035 framework are voluntary and are meant to guide national adaptation and inspire country-specific strategies that reflect local needs and capacities.
Five Global Targets
Achieve a 25% reduction in global cancer mortality through integrated policies that strengthen cancer prevention, early detection, and equitable access to high-quality treatment and palliative care.
Reduce population exposure to the leading preventable causes of cancer by 30%, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, air pollution, human papillomavirus and hepatitis B infections, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity through evidence-based public health policies and the implementation of the WHO’s technical guidance and global best practices for better health outcomes.
Increase the proportion of cancers diagnosed at an early stage by 60%, focusing on those cancers for which evidence-based early detection and screening programs exist, including breast, cervical, colorectal, liver, and oral cancers.
Ensure that 80% of treatment facilities have consistent access to essential cancer medicines, diagnostics, and technologies.
Support governments in 50% of countries to progressively integrate essential cancer services into their universal health coverage benefit packages by 2035, including the inclusion of prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care services.
Five Action Domains
Develop and implement comprehensive national cancer control plans that are current, evidence-based, and have clear budgets, timelines, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Establish and strengthen robust, population-based cancer control data systems to track cancer incidence, mortality, stage at diagnosis, treatment outcomes, and key risk factors.
Increase investment in cancer research and innovation to accelerate the development and equitable uptake of prevention, early detection, and treatment solutions. Strengthening research capacity, including implementation and health systems research, will drive locally relevant, evidence-based policies and programs.
Scale-up education, training, and continuous professional development to build and sustain a skilled cancer workforce. Investing in capacity-building ensures quality of care, fosters leadership, and supports the long-term resilience of cancer control systems.
Actively engage individuals and communities in the design, implementation, and evaluation of cancer control efforts. Embedding people-centered approaches promotes trust, improves service uptake, and ensures that cancer care is equitable, respectful, and responsive to the needs of all patients with cancer.
Five Core Principles
Equity—Ensure that cancer programs and services are accessible to all populations, regardless of socioeconomic, geographic, or other disparities.
Collaboration—Promote transparent, accountable partnerships across sectors, including government, civil society, and the private sector, ensuring due diligence and alignment with public health goals.
Evidence—Ground policies and interventions in robust scientific research and data.
Sustainability—Develop long-term, scalable solutions across the continuum of prevention, early detection, treatment, palliative and supportive care, and survivorship.
Accountability—Secure political will and establish mechanisms for monitoring and accountability.
Summary Statement
“With the “5×5×5 by 2035” framework laid out in UICC’s World Cancer Declaration 2025–2035, countries have a practical roadmap to guide progress that is anchored in equity, evidence, and collaboration,” said UICC President Ulrika Årehed Kågström. “It’s about closing the gap between what we know works, what is available, and what is being delivered, particularly for communities that have long faced barriers to timely, quality cancer care.”
Disclosures: In addition to serving as President of the UICC, Ulrika Årehed Kågström is the Secretary-General of the Swedish Cancer Society. She has no financial conflicts of interest to declare.
References
1. Union for International Cancer Control: World Cancer Declaration 2025-2035. Available at www.uicc.org/resources/world-cancer-declaration-2025-2035. Accessed November 20, 2025.
2. World Health Organization: Global action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases 2013-2020. Available at www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506236. Accessed November 17, 2025.
