Cancer Policy Labs (CPL)

An innovation of the ANANDA Centre for Cancer Research (ACCR)

Translating Cancer Evidence into Policy and Action

The ANANDA Centre for Cancer Research (ACCR) is proud to launch the Cancer Policy Lab (CPL), an innovative platform designed to bridge the gap between research and policy in cancer control.

The Cancer Policy Lab brings together policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and partners to co-create evidence-informed, actionable policy solutions to pressing cancer challenges.

Through structured, multi-sector engagement, CPL transforms research evidence into practical recommendations that can shape national and regional cancer policies.

The inaugural Cancer Policy Lab Uganda (CPL-U) focused on HPV vaccination prioritisation as a critical strategy to accelerate cervical cancer elimination. The Lab generated policy recommendations to improve coverage, equity, and sustainability of HPV vaccination in Uganda.

Section 2: What is the Cancer Policy Lab?

The Cancer Policy Lab (CPL) is a structured, multi-sector platform that brings together policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and partners to address real-world cancer policy challenges. It focuses on priority policy questions and uses a clear process, turning evidence into informed deliberation and deliberation into practical policy recommendations.

Section 3: How It Works

The Cancer Policy Lab (CPL) applies a structured, evidence-to-policy model to address priority cancer challenges:

Define the Policy Question
Identify a critical national cancer policy challenge (e.g., HPV vaccination prioritisation) in partnership with government and stakeholders.
Synthesize Evidence
Compile global and local data, including research and modelling, to assess impact, cost-effectiveness, and policy options.
Convene Multi-Sector Stakeholders
Bring together policymakers, clinicians, researchers, civil society, and partners to deliberate across key areas, policy, financing, equity, and health systems.
Deliver Actionable Policy Recommendations
Generate clear, evidence-informed recommendations with practical pathways for implementation, scale-up, and accountability.

The CPL model ensures that policy decisions are grounded in evidence, shaped by stakeholders, and designed for real-world impact.

Section 4: Cancer Policy Lab Uganda (2026)

The inaugural Cancer Policy Lab Uganda (CPL-U) was convened in 2026 as a multi-sector platform to address a critical national cancer policy challenge.

Theme: Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination through Evidence-Informed HPV Vaccination
Date: 7th March 2026
Participants: Policymakers, clinicians, researchers, civil society, and key national and global partners
Key Focus: Developing evidence-based recommendations to optimise HPV vaccination prioritisation—focusing on girls aged 9–14 years, with efficient catch-up vaccination up to 20 years

This convening demonstrated the power of structured, multi-stakeholder engagement in shaping practical, evidence-driven cancer policy in Uganda.

Section 6: Why It Matters

Key Points:

Supports evidence-informed policymaking – Ensures decisions are guided by the best available research and data.
Strengthens cancer control – Helps develop strategies that effectively reduce cancer burden in Uganda.
Promotes equity – Ensures that all populations, including vulnerable groups, have access to prevention and care.
Builds capacity – Enhances the skills and knowledge of stakeholders involved in cancer control and policy development.

Invest in Evidence-Driven Cancer Policy

The Cancer Policy Lab (CPL), an initiative of the Ananda Centre for Cancer Research (ACCR), transforms cancer research into actionable policy in low- and middle-income settings. By convening key stakeholders, CPL bridges the gap between evidence and implementation.

Following the success of Cancer Policy Lab Uganda in advancing HPV vaccination policy, we are seeking strategic funding to scale this proven model across priority cancer areas and regions.

Partner with us to turn evidence into policy, and policy into lives saved.