C/Can is working towards a world where cities deliver quality and equitable cancer care for all. To achieve this goal, we are creating a global community of cities and partners working together to design, plan, and implement cancer solutions to save lives.

For the first time ever, an international multi-sectoral community of organizations from the public and private sectors is undertaking the critical task of improving access to quality cancer care at the city level.

C/Can was launched by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) at the 2017 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. The launch was a coordinated response to the urgent need to support resource-limited countries in reducing their growing cancer burden. It was also a recognition of the untapped potential of taking an integrated approach to three of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): health, sustainable cities, and partnerships.

C/Can became a standalone Swiss foundation in January 2019 and continues to operate in close collaboration with UICC’s network of over 1,000 members in 160 countries, representing the world’s major cancer societies, patient groups, influential policymakers, researchers, and experts.

Cities take the lead: We empower local leaders in cities to define their own needs and create solutions that reflect an understanding of the unique local context. Because every city is different, so is every city’s cancer solution.

The power of partnerships: We believe in the power of locally-driven, public-private partnerships. Our strong network of partners is united around a shared vision and brings technical assistance, complementary resources, and unique competencies to cities based on their individual needs.

Learning and sharing as we grow: We rigorously monitor and evaluate our progress and impact, then share evidence-based best practices so that local innovation reaps global benefits.