Advancing Equity Through Collaboration: Highlights from the 2026 Global Oncology Conference

Leaders, trainees, and researchers gathered in Toronto from March 23-24 for the Canadian Global Oncology Network (CGON) Conference, a national meeting focused on advancing equitable cancer care worldwide.

By: Marielle Boutin

The conference was co-hosted by the Princess Margaret Global Cancer Program and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health (DLSPH) and drew attendees under its theme, “Transforming Health Systems through Global Oncology.” 

Held at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, the two-day event welcomed nearly 200 attendees, including academic researchers, clinicians, policy experts, students, and speakers representing countries around the world.  

Through keynote addresses, plenary discussions, and networking opportunities, participants explored how interdisciplinary approaches can address persistent inequities in cancer care.  

The conference featured a cutting-edge program showcasing high-quality scientific and clinical content across a broad range of oncology topics, reinforcing the importance of integrating research, policy and practice.  

DLSPH faculty played a prominent role in the conference, with speakers including Drs. Adalsteinn (Steini) Brown, Audrey Laporte, Beverley Essue, Sara Allin, Laura Rosella, and Yvonne Bombard.

“We have outstanding faculty and trainees working at the intersection of cancer and health systems,” says Dr. Essue. “This was a valuable opportunity to bring that work into conversation with colleagues across Canada and globally.” 

According to Prof. Essue, the CGON conference stands out from traditional oncology conferences, which usually focus on clinical advances, as it emphasized the broader systems in which care is delivered. “The focus on how systems need to change to deliver equitable cancer care makes it particularly relevant for a public health audience.” 

Another conference highlight was the student case competition, which saw nine teams tackle a complex, policy-relevant challenge related to access to head and neck cancer care.  

“The quality of their work was remarkable,” says Dr. Essue. “It was one of the best demonstrations of trainee talent I have seen at a conference like this.” 

Ultimately, the 2026 CGON Conference underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing equitable cancer care, and, as global health systems continue to shift focus, this and similar events will remain crucial in connecting research, policy, and practice to drive meaningful change. 

With files from Ishani Nath

Photo credit: Anthony Olsen

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