Development of cancer policy in the public health sector: a public governance perspective

The purpose of this article is to provide a scientific rationale for the formation and development of cancer policy within the framework of public governance in the healthcare sector. It is argued that cancer should not be a narrow -sector strategy for combating cancer, but an integral part of strategic planning of state health policy integrated into institutional and management infrastructure. The emphasis is on the importance of such a policy of global and European guidelines: the goals of Sustainable Development of the UN (including targets 3.4), the Global Action Plan for the fight against NEZ by 2030, the European Cancer Plan Plan (EU Bening Cancer Plan). The importance of digital transformation, the development of screening system, strengthening of personnel potential and inter-level coordination to ensure the effective implementation of oncopolitics in Ukraine are revealed. The need to adapt international experience and the formation of a new management culture, which is based on transparency, evidence, partnership and social justice, is emphasized. For the first time, cancer policy is conceptualized as an integrated system of strategic, regulatory, organizational, and financial measures at the state level, embedded within the overall architecture of public health policy. The article proposes an original definition of cancer policy encompassing prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. The study substantiates the need for a multisectoral nature of such policy and its alignment with key international frameworks the UN Sustainable Development Goals (in particular, Goal 3.4), the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases until 2030, and the EU Beating Cancer Plan. The findings offer practical guidance for enhancing national cancer control strategies and improving health system resilience. The article highlights priorities such as digital transformation, the development of screening systems, human resources strengthening, and multi-level coordination mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on the importance of adopting a new governance culture based on transparency, evidence-informed decision-making, cross-sectoral collaboration, and social justice. The conclusions are oriented toward strengthening a system-based approach to cancer care that meets population needs and ensures sustainable public policy solutions.