The Global Fight Against Cancer

American Cancer Society South Atlantic Division Marks Fifth Year of Cancer Control Partnership in Bolivia

 

South Atlantic Board Chair and National Assembly Member, Dr. Fred Worsham recognized for his assistance in supporting the renovation of the labratory of the Bolivian Foundation Against Cancer

The American Cancer Society’s South Atlantic Division (SAD) sent a delegation of representatives to Bolivia in mid-December to assess the progress and expansion of several Society-funded programs throughout the country. For the past five years, the SAD has partnered with the Fundación Boliviana Contra el Cáncer (FBCC) on cancer prevention efforts in Bolivia, which has the third highest cervical cancer rate in the Western Hemisphere. The delegation visited the new FBCC affiliates in Riberalta – a remote, tropical area in northern Bolivia – and in Potosí, located in the mountainous mining region. The delegation applauded the affiliates for their efforts in actively garnering resources to expand educational and medical services to their communities. In a meeting with members of Bolivia’s Ministry of Health, the delegation was updated on the country’s recently created national cancer plan, which includes key strategies for early detection and diagnosis, treatment, education, infrastructure building, and data surveillance. The FBCC assisted in the development of the plan and will play a vital role in the areas of education and community outreach. To show appreciation for the partnership, the FBCC honored American Cancer Society board member Dr. Fred Worsham by naming a renovated lab facility in his honor. Similarly in Potosí, the city council awarded the delegation keys to the city in honor of the joint commitment to cancer control. In the future, the SAD will continue to monitor and provide technical expertise to the development of the FBCC affiliates.

American Cancer Society Prepares for 2009 Activities in Africa and Asia

 Loyce Pace Bass, director of Regional Programs, Suteera Nagavajara, lead manager of Asia Programs and staff members of Hope Society for Cancer Care in Taiwan

 In November 2008, an investigative team consisting of staff members and consultants from the American Cancer Society and lead investigator Professor K. Viswanath of the Harvard School of Public Health visited Nigeria and South Africa to research the public perception of cancer-related messages and to identify barriers and opportunities for promoting cancer information. These visits were preparatory activities for the Africa Cancer Information and Advocacy Initiative, an Oracle-funded initiative which aims to improve awareness of cancer in five African countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania. Research conducted during these visits included interviews with key opinion leaders, interactions with focus groups, and meetings with civil society representatives, health care providers, the media, and government officials in each country. Information obtained from these visits will help inform training, grants, and advocacy opportunities for cancer control organizations in Africa. In addition to these activities in Africa, American Cancer Society staff members travelled to Asia in December of 2008. Loyce Pace Bass, director of Regional Programs, and Suteera Nagavajara, lead manager of Asia Programs, visited Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Manila, Taipei, and Bangkok to meet with consultants and partners for the Asia Regional Cancer Control Program. The trip marked the second year of the Pfizer-funded initiative, which intends to build the capacity of cancer control organizations in five Asian countries. The American Cancer Society will continue to offer seed grants and trainings that will enable Asian partners to improve information and advocacy for early detection and patient support.