Originally featured by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
Advancements in cancer research are opening up unprecedented possibilities for early disease detection, offering the promise of faster, more accurate, and more personalised diagnoses. However, for many communities around the world, the benefits of these breakthroughs remain out of reach due to persistent barriers such as stigma, misinformation, and unequal access to care.
Early detection—through screening and timely diagnosis—is one of the most effective tools in improving cancer survival. When detected at an early stage, cancer is more likely to respond to treatment, often requiring less aggressive interventions and resulting in better outcomes. Yet, participation in screening remains low in many countries, and several cancer types still elude early identification.
At the heart of these scientific strides is discovery research, a critical and often underfunded area that lays the groundwork for future innovation. UICC member Worldwide Cancer Research is one of the few organisations globally dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-risk projects across the entire cancer continuum—from prevention and diagnosis to treatment.
“We focus on that first step – the early-stage, creative ideas that often carry more risk but also open up new frontiers,” explained Stephanie Sinclair, Science Communications Manager at Worldwide Cancer Research. “Without that foundation, later-stage innovations simply can’t happen.”
The organisation funds projects with transformative potential. Among them: using stool samples to study the microbiome for early detection of pancreatic cancer—a notoriously hard-to-diagnose disease—and research into genetic and hormonal risk factors for endometrial cancer that could lead to more personalised screening strategies.
Other cutting-edge projects include studying how lung cancer cells adapt to low-oxygen environments, and collaborative work with South African scientists on triple-negative breast cancer, a more aggressive subtype that disproportionately affects women of South African heritage.
“Our funding often helps researchers generate the initial data that can lead to larger grants or industry investment,” said Sinclair. “We’re helping to establish proof of concept – that crucial early evidence that an idea might work.”
But scientific discovery alone is not enough.
In Poland, Fundacja Onkologiczna Rakiety, a cancer support organisation, sees first-hand how fear, mistrust, and limited access to care delay diagnosis and worsen outcomes. “Many people are still afraid of cancer,” said Maja Surowicz, the foundation’s founder. “There’s this belief that if you are diagnosed, it’s already too late – so better not to know.”
Cultural stigma, religious beliefs, and skepticism toward public healthcare systems discourage people from seeking screenings or acting on symptoms. In smaller cities, logistical issues such as lack of transportation add to the problem.
To combat this, the foundation has created a sustainable funding model that enables it to offer free patient consultations while also educating the public. By running cancer prevention workshops in schools, businesses, and public institutions—including for teachers, social workers, and emergency services—they raise awareness and income simultaneously.
“It’s about meeting people where they are,” said Anna Żuchniewicz, who leads the foundation’s prevention initiatives. “Providing reliable information, and encouraging action without fear.”
The COVID-19 pandemic compounded these challenges. Screening services were interrupted, and many people avoided medical settings due to infection concerns—leading to delayed diagnoses and more advanced disease presentations. Alarmingly, the foundation has noted a rise in cancer cases among younger adults in their 30s and 40s, particularly brain, breast, ovarian, and stomach cancers.
“This is something we’re seeing more frequently,” said Surowicz. “It adds urgency to the need for prevention and early detection – and to do that, people need to trust the system and feel supported.”
Ultimately, Surowicz believes that improving outcomes will require more than just technology. “We need unified, consistent communication from NGOs, government and the medical community,” she said. “People need to hear the same message from all directions: that early detection is worth it, that support is available, and that cancer is not a death sentence.”
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), which spotlighted these efforts, emphasises that true progress depends on addressing both scientific and societal challenges. As innovative tools move from the lab to the clinic, ensuring equitable access will be key to making a global impact.
“Scientific discovery is the key to all of this,” said Sinclair. “Without new discoveries we won’t be able to reach a day where no life in any community is cut short by cancer.”
— This article was adapted from an original piece featured by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
