Cancer incidence and mortality are rising rapidly worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. There is an overwhelming need for countries to adopt and implement cancer control actions. Yet only 1 in 5 low- and middle-income countries have the necessary data to drive policy and reduce the burden and suffering due to cancer. The Global Initiative for Cancer Registry Development (GICR) is a coordinated, multi-partner approach to deliver the required change. It is time to make cancer data count.