“The fight against cancer requires unity, innovation, and collaboration—only through joint efforts can we ensure better outcomes for patients worldwide.”
ICPC at BGICC 2025: Strengthening Global Partnerships for Cancer Care in the MENA Region
The International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC) participated in the 17th Breast-Gynecological & Immunooncology International Cancer Conference (BGICC) 2025, held on January 23-24, 2025, at the Hilton Heliopolis Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. As the largest cancer conference in Africa and the Middle East, BGICC 2025 provided a platform for leading experts, policymakers, patient advocates, and researchers to discuss cutting-edge advancements in oncology.
For more information about BGICC 2025, visit the official conference page: https://bgicc.net/
ICPC’s High-Level Summit: Uniting for Action
A highlight of our participation was co-hosting the High-Level Summit: “From Unity, Strength—A Regional Pact for Cancer Care”, which brought together distinguished oncology leaders and public health experts. This landmark event focused on addressing cancer care challenges in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation, investment in innovation, and patient-centered solutions.
The summit culminated in the signing of the Declaration of Cooperation, a groundbreaking agreement that fosters cross-border collaboration in cancer prevention, early detection, and equitable access to treatment. This declaration represents a bold commitment by multiple MENA nations to strengthen healthcare systems and integrate emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence and precision medicine—to improve patient outcomes.
Key objectives of the Declaration of Cooperation
The Declaration of Cooperation aims to:
- Strengthen healthcare systems by reducing disparities in cancer care, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions.
- Expand early detection and screening programs for high-risk populations.
- Promote equitable access to life-saving treatments, including immunotherapy and precision medicine.
- Integrate AI and digital health solutions into cancer diagnosis and treatment pathways.
- Develop culturally sensitive public awareness campaigns to enhance health literacy and reduce stigma.
ICPC is committed to ensuring that these objectives translate into actionable strategies that will drive long-term improvements in cancer care across the region.
Distinguished speakers and expert discussions
The ICPC delegation had the opportunity to engage with world-renowned experts and policymakers, contributing to discussions on:
- The role of AI and big data in advancing personalized oncology care.
- Public-private partnerships in cancer research and healthcare infrastructure development.
- The need for harmonized clinical trial regulations to improve patient access to innovative therapies.
- Strategies for strengthening regional collaboration in cancer control initiatives.
The conference featured an impressive lineup of oncology thought leaders, including Prof. Hesham ElGhazaly (President of BGICS), Prof. Julie Gralow (Chief Medical Officer, ASCO), Prof. Fabrice André (President-Elect, ESMO), and Prof. Hope Rugo (UCSF Medical Center, USA), among many others.
Meet the Experts & exclusive interviews
Throughout the conference, ICPC conducted interviews with distinguished professors, researchers, and healthcare leaders to gain insights into the latest breakthroughs in oncology and how these advancements can be adapted to address regional challenges in cancer care. These conversations will be featured as part of ICPC’s “Meet the Experts” series, bringing first-hand perspectives from global experts to our wider patient advocacy community.
Looking ahead: A Call to Action
ICPC extends its gratitude to BGICC organizers, the Egyptian Cancer Society, and our regional partners for fostering this vital dialogue on improving cancer care access and innovation. With the Declaration of Cooperation now in place, we remain dedicated to transforming these commitments into measurable progress.
By 2030, ICPC and its partners aim to significantly reduce disparities in cancer care, improve survival rates, and create a unified, patient-centered cancer care network in MENA and beyond.
View our photo gallery from BGICC 2025 below.
