A Qualitative Policy Analysis of the Prioritization of Cancer in Global Health

This study aims to analyze the political, institutional, and economic factors influencing the prioritization of cancer in global health. It will examine how different actors shape cancer’s policy positioning, what barriers prevent sustained political and financial commitment, and whether prioritization efforts translate into tangible policy action. The research has five key objectives:

Assess the Role of Key Actors in Cancer Prioritization

• Identify the influence of global institutions (e.g., WHO, UICC, World Bank), funders, advocacy groups, and national policymakers in shaping the cancer agenda.
• Evaluate how actor networks and coalitions affect decision-making and funding.

Analyze How Cancer Is Framed in Global Health

• Examine how cancer is positioned in policy discussions compared to other global health priorities (e.g., infectious diseases).
• Identify effective and ineffective narratives used to advocate for cancer funding and policy attention.

Identify Political and Structural Barriers

• Investigate why cancer has struggled to gain sustained commitment despite its growing health burden.
• Explore governance challenges, institutional inertia, and funding limitations that hinder global action.

Evaluate the Link Between Political Prioritization and Policy Implementation

• Assess whether global commitments to cancer translate into concrete policy changes, national funding, and programmatic action.
• Identify gaps between global discourse and country-level implementation.

Refine the Shiffman and Smith Framework

• Extend the theoretical framework by integrating policy outcomes, addressing a gap in priority-setting literature.
• Develop insights applicable to broader global health policy discussions.

By achieving these objectives, the study will provide actionable recommendations for global health institutions, policymakers, and advocacy groups seeking to elevate cancer’s position in global health governance.

The study will generate both academic and policy-relevant outputs, including:

1. A high-impact journal publication contributing to global health policy literature.
2. A policy brief for international organisations involved in cancer policy (e.g. WHO) and other international funders, summarizing actionable recommendations.
3. A stakeholder report outlining key findings for national policymakers and advocacy groups.
4. Presentations at global health conferences to ensure dissemination to relevant audiences.

The Brocher residency will provide the necessary time and intellectual space to refine these outputs while facilitating engagement with global health experts, many of which reside in Geneva, to enhance policy relevance.