The Global Fight Against Cancer

American Cancer Society Fellow Develops Partnership to Raise Cancer Awareness in the Dominican Republic

Flyer from the Dominican Cancer League promoting early detection

The Dominican Cancer League recently formed a partnership with a Spanish-owned supermarket chain, to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society-supported cervical cancer and awareness project Prevention as a Better Cure in the Dominican Republic. The funds raised by the patrons of the Bravo Supermercados chain will provide much needed resources for the cancer league’s educational and early detection services, and will help the organization diversify its revenue base. One of the towns that has benefited from this project is Boca Chica. In conjunction with Children’s International, educational and screening activities are taking place there in two health centers that are effectively reaching children and mothers alike. From November 2007 until April 2008, 720 women have been screened, 77 of whom were detected with preinvasive cervical conditions. More than 70 percent of the women who were evaluated have been provided some form of follow-up treatment. Dr. Natalia Frias, education director for the cancer league and an American Cancer Society fellow, credits her ability to secure this partnership – a first for her organization – to what she learned from her fellowship with the Society’s Pennsylvania Division.

Film Produced by American Cancer Society Fellow Wins Award at UICC Conference Film Festival

 
Sutapa Biswas

A film produced by Sutapa Biswas, an American Cancer Society fellow and American Cancer Society University alumna, won the Best Personal Story Award at the recent Reel Lives Film Festival, held during the UICC World Cancer Congress in Geneva, Switzerland. Biswas is the executive director of the Cancer Foundation of India. Her film, titled The Art of Living, was one of 264 film entries from around the world. Of those, 33 films representing 16 countries were selected for screening and final judging. Presented in Hindi with English subtitles, The Art of Living tells the story of Sambhu Das, a painter who was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx in 1998. Despite financial and physical limitations, he never was swayed from his goal of becoming a successful painter. Through the story of a person with cancer, the film celebrates the inner strength of a common man. To view a clip of the award-wining film and other award winners from the festival, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CULHia8acAg.

American Cancer Society CEO Supports Lance Armstrong Foundation’s Commitment to Global Cancer Control at Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting

John R. Seffrin, PhD, national chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society (center), joins Lance Armstrong (far right) and others at the September 24 press conference.

John R. Seffrin, PhD, national chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, thanked Lance Armstrong and other global leaders for their commitment to the global fight against cancer at a press conference on September 24 during the 2008 Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in New York. Dr. Seffrin described cancer as the world’s problem, and referenced the American Cancer Society global initiatives in more than 20 countries. The American Cancer Society has already been working in partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation domestically, and will provide collaborative support to its global efforts. Lance Armstrong has proposed convening global leaders and cancer control experts at a global cancer summit in Paris in July 2009, after the conclusion of the Tour de France. Armstrong stated that his return to professional cycling next year is to promote global cancer awareness. To watch a replay of the press conference, please visit this kaisernetwork.org web page. Kaisernetwork.org is a free health policy news and webcasting service of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

American Cancer Society CEO Joins Lance Armstrong on Global Cancer “Call to Action” at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting

John R. Seffrin, PhD, national chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, will speak with Lance Armstrong and other global leaders at a press conference to be held on Wednesday, September 24, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time at the 2008 Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in New York. The Lance Armstrong Foundation will issue a global "call to action" on cancer and the American Cancer Society will offer its collaborative support. A live webcast of this press conference has been provided by kaisernetwork.org, a free health policy news and webcasting service of the Kaiser Family Foundation. Access the live webcast, archived video, transcript, and related resources at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/cgi2008.