Global Impact

The burden of cancer is rising disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where lack of infrastructure, diagnostic delays limited access to treatment, and shortages of healthcare providers contribute to cancer outcomes that are significantly worse than in the United States. Dr. Katherine Van Loon established the Global Cancer Program in 2015 with visionary support from Dr. Alan Ashworth, President of the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, to make global cancer a priority at UCSF. 

Leveraging UCSF resources and building upon its legacy in global health, the Global Cancer Program aims to foster equitable partnerships between UCSF and LMIC institutions to improve cancer control in diverse populations. These partnerships allow us to perform innovative research and provide education, research training, and mentorship to trainees and faculty at UCSF and our LMIC partners sites. Since the program's inception in 2015, we have established highly successful regional hubs in East Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Where We Work

UCSF faculty work on research, education, and capacity-building projects across the globe. The map below shows the locations of UCSF global cancer activities, highlighting the Global Cancer Program regional hubs in East Africa and Latin America.