City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) is a global initiative aimed at reducing the burden of cancer in cities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Launched by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in January 2017, C/Can works to create sustainable and equitable access to quality cancer care by engaging various stakeholders, including city administrations, health professionals, patient groups, civil society, and the private sector. In 2019, C/Can became a standalone foundation focused on strengthening practical capabilities on the ground. The initiative collaborates with selected cities based on criteria such as the burden of cancer, commitment of local leadership, and the potential for impact, conducting comprehensive assessments to understand the local cancer care landscape, including infrastructure, workforce, and patient needs. It then provides training and resources to healthcare professionals to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. C/Can develops and implements city-specific action plans to address gaps in cancer care, fostering collaborations between local and international partners to leverage expertise and resources. With a focus on long-term impact, C/Can aims to create sustainable improvements in cancer care that can be maintained locally after the initial intervention, identifying best practices and scalable solutions that can be replicated in other cities and regions.
Since its inception, C/Can has engaged with several cities around the world, including Asunción (Paraguay), Cali (Colombia), Kumasi (Ghana), Yangon (Myanmar), and Kigali (Rwanda), leading to significant advancements in cancer care, such as the establishment of new treatment facilities, training of healthcare professionals, and improvements in patient care protocols. C/Can’s strategic approach involves engaging diverse stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to cancer care, facilitating collaboration between public and private sectors, utilizing data from needs assessments to inform action plans, and monitoring and evaluating progress to ensure effective implementation. The initiative strives to reduce disparities in cancer care access and outcomes, prioritizing interventions that benefit underserved and vulnerable populations.
Currently in 14 cities around the world. The C/Can model sees cities as a microcosm of a health system. Working at a city level provides insights into national service provision and allows lessons learned to be scaled up. C/Can brings together diverse stakeholders for the first time and emphasizes local ownership and sustainability, making stakeholders accountable for project success.

For more on City Cancer Challenge, visit: https://citycancerchallenge.org