Mission

Global Focus on Cancer (GFC) advances equity in cancer care by centering the lived experiences of people affected by cancer and building capacity in psychosocial support, advocacy, education, and health system strengthening. Our mission is to reduce stigma, promote informed and timely care, and expand access to culturally relevant, compassionate support—particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources are limited and needs are high.

What We Do

Founded in 2011, GFC is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization working to close the global gap in cancer care through community-driven, evidence-informed initiatives. We co-create and implement peer support programs, advocacy capacity-building, educational tools, and global partnerships to transform how cancer is understood and experienced in underserved settings. Our efforts are designed to ensure that care is not only accessible—but also dignified, inclusive, and people-centered.

Principles

At GFC, people with lived experience of cancer and their care partners are not just beneficiaries—they are co-creators. Our work is guided by these core principles:

-Lived experience drives impact
-Programs must be culturally adaptable, sustainable, and locally led
-Solutions must be grounded in evidence and aligned with health system priorities
-Equity, dignity, and collaboration are non-negotiable

We envision a world where everyone—regardless of geography—has access to safe, timely, and respectful cancer care that meets their needs and honors their voices.

Where the Need is the Greatest

Cancer is a leading and rising cause of death worldwide—with over 60% of new diagnoses occurring in LMICs. Yet, these settings receive just 5% of global cancer resources. In many countries, services are limited or unavailable, stigma remains high, and individuals often face cancer alone, without psychosocial or informational support.

At GFC, we work where the need is greatest. We respond to critical gaps in awareness, early detection, care navigation, and emotional support—especially where cancer is misunderstood or care is out of reach. We do this alongside communities, not for them.

How We Work

GFC collaborates with local partners—including hospitals, clinicians, advocates, and cancer organizations—to design and deliver context-responsive programs rooted in local leadership and global evidence.

Our approach focuses on four core pillars:

Awareness/Education:

We create and adapt culturally relevant materials and programs to improve cancer literacy, reduce stigma, and promote early engagement with care.

Support:

We implement and expand peer-led psychosocial support programs, including the Stronger Together model and Toolkit, tailored to each setting’s resources, culture, and needs.

Advocacy:

Through initiatives like VOICE, we support civil society organizations and advocates in LMICs to influence national cancer plans and policies grounded in lived experience and equity.

Networking & Capacity Building:

We foster global and regional collaborations, knowledge exchange, and community of practice—connecting clinicians, health systems, and advocates to scale solutions and strengthen care.

Our Commitment:

Through these efforts, GFC strives to transform how cancer care is experienced and delivered—ensuring that every person affected by cancer, no matter where they live, has access to the support, respect, and care they deserve.