Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, are gaining prominence as significant health threats in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, they still lack sufficient traction and investment. Since its launch in 2017 as a Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) initiative and its registration as an independent Swiss foundation in 2019, City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) has been supporting cities worldwide in their efforts to enhance access to equitable and quality cancer care. This event showcased C/Can’s innovative approach to cancer care in developing countries through case studies and provide an opportunity to discuss future collaboration opportunities with Japanese cancer and NCD stakeholders through networking sessions.

[Event Overview]

• Date & Time: Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 15:00 to 17:00 JST
• Format: In-Person (no virtual attendance available)
• Venue: Global Business Hub Tokyo
  (Grand Cube 3F, Otemachi Financial City, 1-9-2, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0004 JAPAN)
• Language: Japanese and English, with simultaneous interpretation
• Participation fee: Free
• Co-host: City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI)

[Program] (Titles omitted; in no particular order)

15:00-15:05	Opening Remarks
	Hajime Inoue (Assistant Minister for Global Health and Welfare, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
15:05-15:10	Explanatory Introduction
	Ryoji Noritake (CEO, Board Member, Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI))
15:10-15:30	Keynote Speech “Current Status of Cancer Care in Developing Countries and the C/Can Model”
	Isabel Mestres (CEO, C/Can)
15:30-16:00	Discussion “Voices from the Frontline and Expectations for Japan”
	(All speakers and attendees at the venue) Sarah K Abe (Section Head, Division of Prevention, National Cancer Center Institute for Cancer Control) Akiko Ida (Global Health Research Scientist, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development) Haruka Sakamoto (Senior Manager, Health and Global Policy Institute) Derrick Chan (City Manager for Greater Petaling, Malaysia, C/Can) Pich Bunthoeun (City Manager for Phnom Penh, Cambodia, C/Ca
16:00-16:05	Remarks
	Ken Shibusawa (CEO, Shibusawa and Company, Inc.)
16:05-16:15	Q&A
16:15-17:00	Networking Session

About City Cancer Challenge (C/Can)

Since its launch in 2017 as a Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) initiative and its registration as an independent Swiss foundation in 2019, City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) has been supporting cities worldwide in their efforts to enhance access to equitable and quality cancer care. Cancer is the second leading cause of premature death globally, with over 10 million cancer deaths in 2020. Low-and middle-income countries account for seven out of every ten deaths from cancer and the impact of these premature deaths further strains economies. By implementing tailored solutions, countries have the potential to save thousands of lives each year in an effective, sustainable, and scalable manner. C/Can has developed and implemented an innovative model that empowers local stakeholders such as policymakers, hospitals managers, healthcare professionals, academics, civil society representatives and patients to evaluate, plan and implement practical and sustainable solutions to improve cancer care at city level. For C/Can, cities offer a distinct environment to drive innovation in cancer care, which can be expanded to a national level. C/Can is present in 14 cities across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. The global network continues to expand, with an open application process launched in 2023 to on-board new cities in 2025.