In a compelling call to action, the Vatican hosted a major international conference this week urging scientific, political, and religious communities to unite in confronting the stark inequalities that plague global cancer care.

The event, titled “Cancer Research, Healthcare and Prevention: Structuring Translational Research to Increase Innovation and Reduce Inequalities,” took place on May 22–23 under the auspices of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS). It brought together medical experts, policymakers, and faith-based leaders from around the world.

Professor Joachim von Braun, President of PAS, emphasized that the goal of the gathering was to spotlight the deep divide in access to cancer diagnostics and treatment between wealthy and impoverished populations. Speaking with Vatican News, he stressed that marginalized communities — particularly in low-income nations — remain dangerously underserved.

“It is predominantly the poor who are deprived of modern cancer prevention and treatment,” Professor von Braun explained, noting that in sub-Saharan Africa, only about 10% of cancer patients have access to critical therapies like radiation.

The professor also pointed out that disparities exist even in wealthier regions. Within Europe, for example, Eastern and Central European countries often lack the resources necessary for timely diagnosis and care. The inequality is not merely economic, but also gendered: in many nations, social stigma and misinformation prevent women from seeking early care for diseases such as breast cancer, raising mortality rates.

Despite these grim realities, Professor von Braun expressed optimism. Advances in early detection and preventive care — such as HPV vaccinations and improved colon cancer screenings — have yielded promising results. However, he warned that these breakthroughs must become universally accessible to truly change outcomes on a global scale.

One of the key proposals discussed was the development of integrated cancer centers — facilities that would combine diagnostics, treatment, and palliative services while working closely with NGOs and faith-based organizations. “This is not just about scientific progress; it’s about translating knowledge into real, life-saving action,” said von Braun.

He underscored the important role that religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, can play in this mission. “The Church is more than a voice for awareness,” he said. “It is a source of comfort, strength, and hope — especially for patients and families enduring the hardships of cancer.”

Professor von Braun concluded with a sobering statistic: nearly 20 million new cancer cases are reported each year, leading to around 10 million deaths — a figure that surpasses even the toll of recent global pandemics. He stressed that addressing this crisis requires more than medical innovation; it demands moral leadership, political will, and community engagement.

“This Jubilee Year,” he added, “the Church has a unique opportunity to offer not just compassion, but concrete support in bridging the cancer care divide. Together, we must turn science into solidarity.”