Rifat Atun

Rifat Atun at Harvard has been instrumental in quantifying the global economic burden of cancer and making the economic case for investment in cancer control in low- and middle-income countries. His modeling work has demonstrated that cancer care investment generates substantial economic returns in LMICs through productivity gains and reduced disability. He has co-led Lancet Oncology Commissions that have shaped global cancer policy and contributed to WHO cancer control frameworks. His health systems perspective on cancer integrates financing, delivery, governance, and workforce considerations to enable comprehensive cancer system strengthening.