Cases of cancer in South Pacific countries continue to rise at alarming rates, and health authorizes are worried over cancer’s inevitable impact on the development and economic growth in the region.
With that concern, the US National Cancer Institute brought together forty-seven participants from six Pacific Islands, for a forum to join the fight against cancer.
The Cancer Control Leadership Forum aims to initiate or enhance efforts to decrease the burden of cancer affected nations.
CEO of the PNG Cancer Foundation, Dadi Toka Junior, said the opportunity created pathways for stakeholders to effectively partner and discuss strategies for better cancer service outcomes.
The forum hosted members from several Southeast Asian countries, and Pacific Island nations including Timor-Leste, Samoa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea.
Representatives presented challenges and identified priorities in cancer control in their individual countries. Common priorities included having adequate qualified physicians, cancer registries, prevention and awareness programs, advocacy for national cancer control policy and plans, and research.
The forum was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The next forum is set for Melbourne in Australia come December.
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