Outgoing CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Cary Adams, warns that despite advancements in cancer prevention and treatment, inequities in healthcare access are stalling progress in the global fight against cancer.
Speaking on the Paul Talks Science podcast, Adams, who has led the UICC for 15 years, delivered an urgent call for action to address glaring disparities in cancer care worldwide. As he prepares to step down, Adams provided an exclusive, candid assessment of what has been achieved and what remains critically undone in cancer control.
Global Gains Fall Short of Goals
Adams pointed to significant strides in tobacco control, HPV vaccination, and the formulation of national cancer control plans, but he did not shy away from highlighting gaps. “Progress has been made,” he said, “but not as far as it should have gone to address the size of the problem we face.”
Low- and middle-income countries, in particular, continue to struggle with limited healthcare infrastructure, delayed diagnosis, and insufficient access to life-saving treatments. “It’s morally irresponsible that some cancer medicines, available for 15 to 20 years, are still inaccessible in these regions,” Adams emphasized.
Focus on Prevention and Equity
Adams underscored that prevention remains the most cost-effective tool in combating cancer. He called for governments to prioritize measures like tobacco taxation, plain packaging, and HPV vaccination campaigns. “The tools to prevent many cancers exist,” he said, “but they are not universally available, exacerbating inequities.”
Equity has been central to UICC’s mission, but Adams warned that disparities in cancer care are not confined to income levels. “Inequities exist in every country—between urban and rural populations, and even within cities,” he explained. He highlighted the need for systemic changes to ensure early detection and treatment are accessible to all, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status.
The Implementation Gap
A critical challenge identified by Adams is the gap between knowledge and action. “We already know what works in prevention and treatment,” he said, “but implementation science—understanding how to apply this knowledge effectively in different settings—is where we need to focus.”
At the World Cancer Congress, UICC announced significant new investments in implementation science, aiming to accelerate the translation of proven interventions into tangible outcomes.
A Growing Threat: Antimicrobial Resistance
In a stark warning, Adams pointed to antimicrobial resistance as an emerging threat to cancer care. “Cancer patients are at higher risk of infections, and the diminishing efficacy of antibiotics and antifungals could severely impact treatment outcomes,” he said.
Quick Wins for Governments
Adams urged policymakers to act swiftly on two fronts: tobacco control and cancer screening. “Raise tobacco prices, enforce plain packaging, and ban smoking in public places—these measures save lives,” he said. He also called for the expansion of early screening programs for cancers like breast, cervical, and colorectal, which can dramatically improve survival rates and reduce treatment costs.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for UICC
Reflecting on his tenure, Adams noted that UICC has successfully elevated cancer as a global health priority, with multiple United Nations meetings addressing non-communicable diseases for the first time. However, he acknowledged that plans alone are not enough. “The challenge now is funding and implementation,” he said.
As the UICC prepares for a leadership transition, Adams remains optimistic but cautious. “We have the knowledge and tools to make a difference,” he said. “The question is, will we act quickly and decisively enough?”
The Exclusive Takeaway
Adams’ insights offer a sobering reminder: while progress has been made, the fight against cancer is far from over. From inequities in access to emerging threats like antimicrobial resistance, the global community faces significant hurdles. But with the right investments in prevention, screening, and implementation, the next decade could be transformative for cancer care.
The full interview with Cary Adams is available on the Paul Talks Science podcast. Listen now to gain an insider’s perspective on the past, present, and future of global cancer control.