Global Health & Medicine 2026;8(2):132-135.

Barriers to advancing global oncology in an NCI-designated cancer center: A cross-sectional survey of faculty perspectives

Coelho HGB, Montour M, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E

Global oncology seeks to advance equitable cancer care across diverse populations worldwide. Recognizing its importance, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has designated it as a strategic priority for its cancer centers. However, many struggle to integrate it into their clinical, scientific, and educational missions. We conducted an exploratory institutional needs assessment using a de-identified, cross-sectional survey at the University of Colorado Cancer Center (UCCC), an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. The survey, adapted from the NCI Global Oncology Assessment Survey, was distributed via email to UCCC members and assessed familiarity, prior involvement, motivations, and perceived barriers in global oncology work. Twenty-two members completed the survey. Over one-third (36%, 95% CI: 19.7%–57.0%) were unfamiliar with global oncology, and only 45% (95% CI: 26.9%–65.3%) had prior involvement in related initiatives. Motivators for engaging in global oncology included personal interest, opportunities for collaboration, and a commitment to addressing health disparities. Key barriers were limited funding, lack of time, and lack of institutional support. Among those with prior global oncology experience, most reported challenges securing funding, limited institutional support, administrative burdens, and a lack of academic recognition for global work. Despite strong personal interest and alignment with NCI priorities, global oncology remains under-recognized and under-supported at our institution, and may reflect similar challenges in other academic centers. Barriers impeding further engagement include limited funding, lack of institutional support, and administrative complexity. Targeted support, dedicated funding, and academic recognition could strengthen institutional capacity to advance cancer care locally and globally.

DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2026.01035

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