The Global Fight Against Cancer

American Cancer Society Delivers Presentations on Cancer Control at WHO/IAEA Meeting in Egypt and Austria

Participants at the WHO/IAEA meeting in Egypt

The American Cancer Society delivered key presentations on cancer control at a recent Coordination and Planning meeting with member African states of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The meeting, which was held June 21-23, 2009, in Cairo, Egypt, highlighted the growing cancer threat in the African region and focused on strategies and approaches for advancing a broad range of cancer control, prevention, and treatment activities. The meeting also addressed cancer economics, education, and advocacy as tools to raise cancer awareness and build cancer control capacity. The meeting was facilitated by experts from the American Cancer Society, WHO, IAEA, International Union Against Cancer (UICC), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (INCTR), and the IAEA Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) partner organizations from 14 African countries, including Tanzania, Senegal, Egypt, Uganda, and Ghana. The American Cancer Society presented information on cancer as a competing health priority, advocacy, and private sector partnerships and was represented by Haskell Ward of SEACOMM, who has worked on African development and policy for more than 45 years, and Ann McMikel, strategic director of Planning and Operations. The meeting provided participants with resources to support and promote comprehensive cancer capacity need assessments and national cancer strategic planning via collaboration with IAEA, WHO, and other partners under the PACT umbrella. The American Cancer Society also participated in a parallel WHO/IAEA meeting for Asia-Pacific stakeholders held in Vienna, Austria. The meeting included China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and several Middle Eastern countries. Loyce Pace Bass, director of Regional Programs, American Cancer Society, gave a presentation on the Society’s engagements in Southeast Asia funded by Pfizer Foundation and Pfizer, Inc., as well as American Cancer Society programs in India and Greater China. She was joined by regional expert and longtime American Cancer Society partner Tata Memorial Centre. Click on the following link to hear Bass discussing global cancer control issues on the IAEA PACT Web site.

Lance Armstrong Foundation and American Cancer Society Form International Partnership to Fight Global Cancer Burden

Last week, the American Cancer Society launched a global partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). This partnership includes American Cancer Society support of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit to be held in Dublin, Ireland, from Aug. 24-26. The Summit brings together world leaders, nongovernmental organizations, health care advocates, and corporations to call for urgent action against the global cancer burden. The American Cancer Society will be a key participant in the Summit and has facilitated the participation of a significant number of its key grantees and partners around the world. On July 2, John R. Seffrin, PhD, national chief executive officer, American Cancer Society, participated in a global cancer event with LAF at the launch of the Tour de France. In addition to the global Summit, the American Cancer Society and LAF will collaborate on patient forums in key regions in the world. The goal of this patient empowerment initiative is to develop a comprehensive, survivor-informed national call to action in select regions to foster an international patient advocacy movement.

Click on the following link to download a copy of the press release on the partnership.

Focus on Integrated Communications at American Cancer Society Training for 14 Latin American NGOs in Rio de Janeiro

 
Nathan Grey (standing on right), national vice president, International Affairs Department, American Cancer Society, addresses the NGO training participants.

The American Cancer Society hosted its third training for the Latin America Regional Health Grants Program June 14-19 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The three-year program aims to improve cancer control in the region through early detection. Twenty-eight representatives from 14 of the leading cancer control nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) participated in the training, funded by Pfizer, Inc., and the Pfizer Foundation, which focused on “Integrated Communications: Internal Management, Media Relations, and Expanding Impact.” The curriculum for the training was presented by a faculty consisting partly of cancer control experts outside the American Cancer Society, including Dan Rutz, team lead, Global Health Communication, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Adrian Huñis, MD, director and chief of oncology, Center of Oncology in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rita Dardes, medical director, Avon Institute; and Chris Cardona and Jared Raynor, consultants for the TCC group. Robert Simpson, director, Latin America, Worldwide Public Affairs and Policy for Pfizer, presented and highlighted Pfizer's continued efforts to support patient programs throughout Latin America. American Cancer Society faculty included Nathan Grey, national vice president, International Affairs Department; Claudia Rodas, regional director of Government Operations – Gulf Coast; Alessandra Durstine, vice president, Regional Strategies, and director, Latin American Programs; and Cristina Parsons Perez, manager, Latin American Cancer Initiatives. The NGO representatives also visited the National Cancer Institute of Brazil and were welcomed by the director general, Luiz Antonio Santini Rodrigues da Silva. The fourth and final training of the Latin America Regional Health Grants Program will focus on advocacy and will take place in 2010 in Washington, D.C.

American Cancer Society Hosts Fellowship for Latin American Cancer Control Leaders

Latin American fellows and American Cancer Society staff taking part in the Latin America Best Practices Fellowship Program.

Ten leaders of cancer control nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Latin America recently took part in the Latin America Best Practices Fellowship Program. The event, which was held in Austin, Texas, was organized by the American Cancer Society International Affairs Department and the American Cancer Society High Plains Division. The fellows, from Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala, are winners of the 2007 and 2008 American Cancer Society Latin American Best Practices Awards, annual honors that recognize excellence in cancer patient care in the region. The four-day fellowship program provided these cancer control leaders the opportunity to learn from American Cancer Society staff about clinical trials, volunteerism, and patient navigation. The fellows also visited a Relay For Life® event held in Austin. Winners of the Latin American Best Practice Awards are selected via a competitive application process. About 200 applications have been submitted by Latin American cancer control organizations during the past two years. Along with the opportunity to engage in the fellowship experience, the winning organizations receive a grant to further strengthen their cancer control programs. The Latin America Best Practices Awards will be soliciting applications for its 2009 program starting later this summer.

American Cancer Society Partners with ASCO Cancer Foundation to Train Young Oncologists from Developing Countries

American Cancer Society volunteer Stephen Sener, MD, delivers a presentation during the ACSU-ASCO training course.

The American Cancer Society, through its American Cancer Society University (ACSU) program, partnered with the ASCO Cancer Foundation and its International Development and Education Award (IDEA) program to pilot a training course for young oncologists from developing countries about their potential role in cancer control. The ACSU-ASCO pilot training course was held prior to the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on May 29 in Orlando, Florida. American Cancer Society volunteers Stephen Sener, MD, and Rick Ngo, MD, assisted with the training course. The training sought to engage oncologists in cancer control in their countries and to provide them an opportunity to share ideas and make commitments in cancer control. Participants reviewed and discussed their role with cancer control nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in areas of advocacy, patient services, and prevention/detection, as well as their role with governments in national cancer planning. Prior to the training course, a three-week online session helped participants conduct research on cancer control NGOs and national cancer plans in their countries. Participants will send follow-up reports on their activities to ASCO in the next six to 12 months.

American Cancer Society Facilitates Discussions on Noncommunicable Diseases at World Economic Forum on Africa

Minister of Health of South Africa, Aaron Motsoaledi, MD, speaking at the World Economic Forum on Africa.

This week, during the World Economic Forum on Africa held in Cape Town, South Africa, the American Cancer Society played a key role in a special session on cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa. This session, co-organized with the World Health Organization, marked the first time that the issue of NCDs was included on the agenda at a World Economic Forum meeting. Johanna Ralston, vice president of Global Strategies for the American Cancer Society, facilitated a session of more than 50 representatives from government, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations. The new minister of health of South Africa, Aaron Motsoaledi, MD, was among the speakers in the session, which focused heavily on cancer and the role of public-private partnerships in addressing NCDs. Tom Glynn, PhD, director of International Cancer Control for the American Cancer Society, facilitated another session at the conference on tobacco and the workplace.

American Cancer Society Delivers Presentation at Global Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Meeting

Many of the world’s leading stakeholders in cervical cancer prevention and detection met in New York City on June 2 to look at ways to coordinate efforts and resources to bring new prevention and detection tools to low- and middle-income countries, where cervical cancer kills more than 200,000 women each year. Johanna Ralston, vice president of Global Strategies for the American Cancer Society, delivered a presentation on how to ensure that cervical cancer is on the global agenda, building on the Society’s work in regions and as host of Cervical Cancer Action, a multi-stakeholder consortium of health nongovernmental organizations working in cervical cancer globally. Other speakers, including Dr. Jan Agosti of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Dr.  Anna Nyakabau of the Ministry of Health of Zimbabwe, discussed new research around effectiveness and acceptability of screening in low-resource settings, as well as social, financial, and health systems challenges to rolling out the new technologies. 

Forty-four Journalists Take Part in American Cancer Society Symposium on The Five Myths of Cancer in São Paulo, Brazil

Prominent Brazilian journalists discuss topics in health reporting at the journalist symposium in São Paulo. The discussion was moderated by Alessandra Durstine, vice president, Regional Strategies & director, Latin America Programs, American Cancer Society (far right).

Panel members, from left to right:  Dr. Claudia Jurberg, UFRJ; Celine Pereira, IstoÉ; Dr. Luis Fernando Correia, Rádio CBN & GloboNews; Claudia Colluci, Folha de São Paulo; Antonio Marinho, O Globo; Marilia Casseb, ABCancer.

Dispelling common cancer myths in Brazil and improving the quality of cancer control coverage in the Brazilian media were the two goals of a journalist symposium hosted by the American Cancer Society on May 13 in São Paulo, Brazil. The symposium, titled Os 5 Mitos sobre o Câncer: o papel do jornalismo no enfrentamento da doença (The 5 Myths of Cancer: The Role of Journalism in Facing the Disease), drew 44 journalists from leading media organizations throughout Brazil, including television and radio stations, newspapers, and online media. The event was moderated by Alessandra Durstine, vice president, Regional Strategies, and director, Latin America Programs, American Cancer Society. Presentations on international cancer control and emerging trends were delivered by Len Lichtenfeld, MD, MACP, deputy chief medical officer, American Cancer Society; and Elmer E. Huerta, MD, MPH, immediate past president, American Cancer Society, who shared their expertise on the cancer burden with the Brazilian audience. Tom Watkins, a senior editor with CNN and expert in health reporting, provided his insights on best practices in health reporting. Presentations were also given by renowned Brazilian cancer experts from leading cancer hospitals, cancer research centers, and professional societies, including Luiz Antonio Santini, MD, director, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA). This event marked the first time that the American Cancer Society and INCA collaborated on an event addressing cancer control coverage in the Brazilian media. There was extensive coverage of the event around the country, including headline stories in Brazil’s top two newspapers – Folha de São Paulo and O Globo – as well as the two largest national news radio networks – CBN and Bandeirantes.

American Cancer Society Brazilian Fellows Seek to Improve Breast Cancer Control in Brazil

The Brazilian fellows visit the American Cancer Society National Home Office in Atlanta.  From left to right:  Gustavo Azenha, manager, Brazilian Initiatives, American Cancer Society; Dr. Maira Caleffi, founding president of FEMAMA; Regina Vargas, advocacy coordinator for FEMAMA.

Two representatives of the Brazilian breast cancer coalition Federação Brasileira de Instituções Filantropicas de Apoio a Saude da Mama (FEMAMA) recently participated in a weeklong American Cancer Society fellowship, awarded to them after receiving an American Cancer Society Latin America Best Practice Award for networking. The fellows, Maira Caleffi, MD, PhD, founding president of FEMAMA, and Regina Vargas, advocacy coordinator for FEMAMA, visited American Cancer Society offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., to share their knowledge and experience about breast cancer control in Brazil and learn more about governance and advocacy issues from American Cancer Society staff. At the American Cancer Society’s National Home Office (NHO) in Atlanta, the fellows met with John R. Seffrin, PhD, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, as well as other Society leaders. They also gave a presentation to the NHO staff on the breast cancer burden in Brazil and FEMAMA’s advocacy work. In Washington, Bob Chapman, director of operations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM (ACS CAN) and other ACS CAN staff provided Caleffi and Vargas with a detailed look at American Cancer Society advocacy initiatives, including media engagement, policy development, campaign planning, grassroots mobilization, and new media advocacy. (ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the Society). The fellows returned to Brazil with a wealth of exciting new ideas and strategies to strengthen FEMAMA coalition governance, enrich grassroots outreach, enhance advocacy actions, and catalyze positive changes in breast cancer control in Brazil.

American Cancer Society Marks Second Year of the 'Travaillons sans fumée' (Smoke-free at Work) Program in North Africa

Youth tobacco control leaders with banners signed by locals in Sousse, Tunisia. The banners were used as part of a public awareness action to garner support for smoke-free workplaces in Tunisia and Algeria.

American Cancer Society staff convened 10 nongovernmental organization (NGO) representatives and 22 youth advocates from Algeria and Tunisia for a training program on communications and media relations April 20-22 in Sousse, Tunisia. This training marked the start of the second year of the Travaillons sans fumée (Smoke-free at Work) program, supported by the American Cancer Society. Travaillons sans fumée is a program supporting the efforts of more than 30 workplaces in Tunisia and Algeria to become smoke-free and protect the health of their employees. During the training program, the NGO representatives and youth advocates had the opportunity to share their media and communication experiences and learn new communication skills they can put into practice as future spokespersons for the program. Participants analyzed media coverage from recent campaigns for smoke-free laws, took part in mock interviews with a local reporter, and developed key messages they can use to inform the public about the importance of smoke-free workplaces. The NGO representatives held round table discussions with representatives of companies in Tunisia and Algeria that have gone smoke-free, while the youth advocates conducted a public activity in which they discussed the benefits of smoke-free areas with locals and asked them to show their support by signing banners. In conjunction with the training, a session was held at which print, radio, and TV journalists from Tunisia and Algeria met with international and local tobacco control experts to discuss the media’s role in providing tobacco control information to the public.  

American Cancer Society Collaborates with Civil Society Partners in Vietnam to Develop Communications on Tobacco Control Advocacy

Tuyet Ha-Iaconis (second from left), Vietnam program manager, American Cancer Society, meets with colleagues from a Vietnamese tobacco control NGO.

The American Cancer Society recently collaborated with key nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners in Vietnam to help them develop media communications strategies for tobacco control advocacy in the country. Tuyet Ha-Iaconis, Vietnam program manager, American Cancer Society, gathered information from and provided technical assistance to the Vietnam Steering Committee on Smoking and Health (VINACOSH) and other NGOs by evaluating existing plans for media relations and providing suggestions on how available resources in their organizations might be used to pursue those plans. She also presented plans for future trainings for NGOs and journalists on tobacco control advocacy in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. VINACOSH and other health-related organizations in Vietnam want to create a communications plan that allows them to broadly and effectively disseminate tobacco control messages to a national audience. Vietnam does not have smoke-free laws in effect at the national level. Despite a directive from the prime minister in Vietnam establishing smoke-free areas in workplaces, health facilities, schools, and other public places, compliance is weak. VINACOSH and other NGOs intend to use national communications efforts as part of their efforts to gather the support of government leaders, the media, and the general public for the adoption of strong tobacco control laws and the effective implementation of smoke-free environments.

American Cancer Society Featured at Brazil Breast Cancer International Congress

Robert Smith, PhD, director of Cancer Screening, American Cancer Society, delivers the keynote address at a breast cancer conference in Brazil.

Robert Smith, PhD, director of Cancer Screening, American Cancer Society, was a keynote speaker at the Third Breast Cancer International Congress March 28, 2009, at Hospital Moinhos de Vento in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Dr. Smith made a presentation to an audience of medical professionals on state-of-the-art breast cancer screening for women ages 40 and above, and on the evidence for annual screening. The Congress was organized by Dr. Maira Caleffi, who serves as president of the Brazilian breast cancer nongovernmental organization Instituto da Mama (IMAMA) and president of the Brazilian breast cancer advocacy coalition Federacao Brasileira de Institucoes Filantropicas de Apoio a Saude da Mama (FEMAMA), a coalition of Brazilian breast cancer nongovernmental organizations. The American Cancer Society Brazil Breast Cancer Action Program, which was launched last year, is increasing the capacity of the FEMAMA coalition as part of the overall strategy to strengthen the breast cancer movement in Brazil. The American Cancer Society supported the convening of FEMAMA’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) on March 27 to discuss the coalition’s advocacy activities. Cristina Parsons Perez, PhD, manager of Latin America Cancer Initiatives, American Cancer Society, made a presentation to the SAB about the Society’s overall Brazil program and the support being given to FEMAMA, which includes staffing, policy development, communications planning, and political mapping.    

American Cancer Society Hosts the First Africa Cancer Information and Advocacy Initiative Workshop in Accra, Ghana

Johanna Ralston, vice president, Global Strategies, American Cancer Society (second from right), being interviewed by a reporter with Net2 Television, a Ghana television station

On March 26-30, 2009, the American Cancer Society hosted the Africa Cancer Information and Advocacy Initiative Workshop on Cancer Control Planning, an inaugural training event in Accra, Ghana. The workshop convened 42 cancer control advocates from 21 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in four African countries – Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and South Africa – to help them develop successful cancer control programs. The cancer burden in Africa is rising, with about 650,000 people on the continent developing cancer annually. Programs that increase cancer awareness and promote early detection and survivor support programs are urgently needed in Africa, as breast, cervical, liver, prostate and HIV/AIDS-related cancers become more prevalent there. The three-day workshop opened with remarks from Dr. George Amofah, deputy director general, Ghana Health Service, and Johanna Ralston, vice president, Global Strategies, American Cancer Society. Training facilitators assisted NGO participants in the development of evidence-based project proposals for their cancer control programs. Training facilitators who work in the region provided one-on-one feedback to the participants on their draft proposals. By the end of the workshop, participants created detailed action plans for cancer control interventions or campaigns, some of which involve national or regional collaboration between participating organizations. Following the workshop, some of the participants took part in a site visit to a local Ghana cancer treatment center. In addition, Loyce Pace, director, Regional Programs, American Cancer Society met with 15 journalists from Ghana print, television, and radio media outlets to discuss the lack of cancer awareness in Ghana’s government and general public and shared insights from these discussions with workshop participants.

American Cancer Society University Holds Follow-up Training in Hangzhou, China

ACSU scholar from Hangzhou presenting seed grant progress report

An American Cancer Society University (ACSU) training was held in Hangzhou, China, on March 20-23. This training, which follows last year’s ACSU training in Tianjin, China, convened 22 scholars from 13 cancer support groups, including representatives from the UNICEF-China office, Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, and Hope Society of Taiwan. During the training, there were presentations from nine American Cancer Society seed grant recipients. All of them reported encouraging progress and successful results with their grant projects: For example, Fudan University Cancer Hospital in Shanghai is working to find suitable means of raising breast cancer awareness and providing information about breast cancer screening to their community; so far, more than 60,000 residents have received some type of information on breast cancer through this project. In addition, a Greater China cancer support group discussion at the training focused on some of the challenges and opportunities for cancer control nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in China. The group agreed to work on the development of a Web-based Greater China ACSU alumni network that would facilitate the sharing of best practices and available materials on cancer control in China.

Dr. Judith Mackay Receives BMJ Lifetime Achievement Award

 Dr. Judith L.  Mackay recipient of BMJ Lifetime Achievement Award

The American Cancer Society congratulates Dr. Judith L. Mackay for receiving the BMJ Lifetime Achievement award for her contribution to the fight against tobacco across the world. The BMJ Group Awards, held in association with The Health Foundation, recognize and celebrate excellence in health care around the globe. BMJ is an international peer reviewed medical journal. The ceremony, held in London, was attended by some of the world’s most influential leaders in health care. Dr. Mackay is co-author of the recently released third edition of The Tobacco Atlas, a critical resource produced by the American Cancer Society and World Lung Foundation that graphically depicts the devastating impact tobacco has on an international level. Dr. Mackay serves as senior advisor to the World Lung Foundation and as senior policy advisor to the World Health Organization. She is also a recipient of the American Cancer Society's Luther Terry award for Outstanding Individual Leadership. As a leader in the battle to control tobacco, she was once described by the tobacco industry as "one of the three most dangerous people in the world."

American Cancer Society Assesses Progress of Patient Navigation Program in Mexico

 

Dr. Laura Suchil, Deputy Director at the National Cancer Institute of Mexico

A delegation of American Cancer Society staff, representing the International Affairs Department and Midwest Division, recently visited Mexico to assess the effectiveness of a patient navigation program supported by the Society. The National Cancer Institute of Mexico (INCan) patient navigation program was launched in September 2007 following a fellowship in the United States for Mexican patient navigators hosted by the Midwest Division. The main goal of this pilot program is to support cancer patients and their families by providing information and psycho-social support. In the past year, the program has been able to reach more than 600 patients or family members and has successfully met more than 75 percent of their needs. The network of community resources has also been strengthened as a result of the program, and new sources of funding have been identified. Evaluations of the program indicate high satisfaction among patients, family members, and medical personnel. Given these results, INCan leaders are considering expanding the program, and plans are currently underway to replicate the program in two other regional cancer centers. The American Cancer Society Midwest Division has offered both financial and technical support to make this program possible. Representatives from the Midwest Division that traveled to Mexico included Joenell Henry-Tanner, vice president of Health Disparities; Valeria Waldner, patient navigator; and Dr. Carolina Gonzalez Schlenker, international committee member. 

Oxford Health Alliance Videos Featuring American Cancer Society International Activities

Image from the Oxford Health Alliance video on American Cancer Society international activities released on April 3.

The American Cancer Society is collaborating with the Oxford Health Alliance (OxHA) to produce videos for OxHA’s Web site www.3four50.com that highlight the Society’s international programs and activities. This Web site is part of an OxHA health initiative, an awareness-raising and action-based online social network aimed at preventing chronic disease. Four videos have been posted online so far, with more on the way soon. To view the American Cancer Society-related videos already posted (on February 20, March 6, March 20, and April 3), please visit the 3FOUR50 Video News Web page.   

American Cancer Society Conducts Part Two of Training Sessions for NGOs in Manila, Philippines

Manila Training Participants: From left to right: Wawang Setiawan Sukarya (Indonesia), Kiti Kajana, Coordinator- ACS University, Siti Nia Rusad (Indonesia), Charlie Smith, Volunteer - Chair of the Board of the California Division), Margaret Drugay, Volunteer - Great West Division Board of Directors). 
 

The American Cancer Society recently held the second training program for cancer nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as part of its Asia Regional Cancer Control Program. The training program, focused on communications of early detection and patient support project outcomes, was held in Manila, Philippines, from February 22-25. Training highlights included expert feedback on implementation strategies, poster presentations on grant progress, and a project site visit. The training was held in conjunction with an American Cancer Society University (ACSU) for Southeast Asia partners focused on tobacco control advocacy. Sponsoring American Cancer Society divisions, California, Great West, and High Plains, provided volunteers and staff that partnered with local tobacco control experts to teach sessions in how to promote and implement smoke-free workplaces as well as how to influence decision-makers and the public in order to create change. Together, the two events hosted 39 individuals representing cancer control organizations from a total of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. Faculty members from the Philippines included Framework Convention Alliance regional coordinator Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, prominent journalist Nestor Cuartero, and several city and national government representatives working in cancer or tobacco control. Multiple staff and volunteers from the California, Great West, and High Plains Divisions also served as faculty, including CEO of California Division, Inc., David F. Veneziano. The training programs were co-hosted by American Cancer Society partners in the Philippines, ICANSERVE Foundation and Philippine Cancer Society.

Relay For Life® Event in Nelspruit, South Africa, Draws More than 5,000 Participants

Relay teams walk laps during Nelspruit, South Africa Relay event

A recent Relay For Life® event in Nelspruit, South Africa, drew large crowds and local media coverage. Volunteers of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) organized the Relay in Nelspruit from March 7-8, at Laerskool Nelspruit Sports Field. The event built on the success of last year’s first-ever Relay in the city. This year, more than 5,000 participants and 134 teams joined together in the fight against cancer. The event was covered in two issues of the Nelspruit newspaper Lowvelder, which featured related stories and photos as well as a personal message from Dr. Gordy Klatt, the American Cancer Society volunteer who inspired the Relay For Life movement. The publication of Dr. Klatt’s message and success of the Relay event drew praise from CANSA and members of the Nelspruit community and helped showcase how Relay For Life is making a difference in communities in South Africa and around the world.

American Cancer Society Co-sponsors Mumbai Conference on Human Rights and Tobacco Control

(This is a first-hand account from Tom Glynn, PhD, Director, Cancer Science and Trends and Director, International Cancer Control, American Cancer Society, of a conference co-sponsored by the Society in Mumbai, India, that followed the conclusion of the 14th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health (WCTOH). Please see photos below.)

On March 13, the day after the closing of the 14th WCTOH in Mumbai, the American Cancer Society co-sponsored, with the World Health Organization (WHO) and others, a conference which established an International Human Rights and Tobacco Control Network. The goal of the Network is to use legal principles to challenge the tobacco industry in its efforts to compromise tobacco users' right to health.

The conference was opened by the former Chief Justice of the Indian Supreme Court, Shri Honorable Rajendra Baber, and Dr. Douglas Bettcher, Director of the WHO's Tobacco Free Initiative. Dr. Judith Mackay, a 2000 Luther L. Terry Award winner and Director of the Asian Consultancy on Tobacco and Health, led the conference participants through the goals for the day. Following that presentation was an extensive review of the legal instruments used by the United Nations (UN) to promote human rights, provided by Patricia Lambert, JD, former legal advisor to the Minister of Health, South Africa (also a 2000 Luther L. Terry Award winner). Finally, Anand Grover, the UN's chief human rights advisor, emphasized the importance of this issue for not just the WHO but the entire UN.

The rest of the day was devoted to strategic discussions of how the UN legal instruments could be used to promote the rights of health among tobacco users and what collaborative actions might be taken in order to work with global human rights activists on this initiative. Dr. Mackay closed the meeting by polling the conference participants, who unanimously agreed to the formation of the Network. It will be administered by Drs. Harry Lando, from the University of Minnesota, and Carolyn Dresler, former advisor to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The American Cancer Society plans to be an active participant in the Network, which will be a very useful complement to the wide array of other activities underway to reduce the burden of global tobacco use.

Shri Honorable Rajendra Baber, former Chief Justice of the Indian Supreme Court, speaks at the opening of the conference.

 

Dr. Judith Mackay, Director of the Asian Consultancy on Tobacco and Health, addresses the conference participants.