A network of 160 civil society oncology organizations across the country has launched a national petition to drive the creation and adoption of a National Cancer Control Plan in Argentina. The initiative stems from the sustained territorial work of organizations that support people with cancer and their families, and from the consensus reached at National Congresses held by the network. At these congresses, specialists, health authorities, and system representatives agreed on the need for a guiding, federal, and time-sustained plan. On World Cancer Day, a report seen by the Argentine News Agency indicated that access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive support remains unequal between provinces and health systems, with delays, administrative barriers, and gaps directly impacting patients' quality of life. "Cancer is not experienced the same way in all provinces," the report states. "Unidos por el Cáncer" (United for Cancer) will promote a participatory roadmap that includes public awareness campaigns, collection of citizen and institutional endorsements, meetings with national and international experts, technical seminars, and multi-sectoral dialogue spaces. The goal is to build social consensus, strengthen alliances with public bodies, health institutions, scientific societies, universities, and patient organizations, and advance towards the collaborative development of a National Cancer Control Plan that can be adopted as state policy with a federal approach and long-term continuity. All interested individuals, organizations, and institutions can participate in this initiative by signing the citizen petition at change.org/PlanControlCancer, expressing institutional support, and supporting dissemination and dialogue actions. International evidence shows that countries with well-implemented national plans improve early detection, optimize resource use, reduce territorial inequities, and decrease avoidable mortality, especially for preventable or early-detectable cancers. These plans allow for the coordination of prevention, screening, treatment, palliative care, and information systems, generating sustained positive impacts on health outcomes. The campaign constitutes the first step in a broader process that will unfold throughout the year.
