Abstract 1840: What are the implications for cancer research of placing cancer on the global health agenda
Authors: Kawahara Norie , Akaza Hideyuki , Roh Jae Kyung , Nakagawara Akira , Masui Tohru , Horie Shigeo , Sugimura Haruhiko , Inoue Hajime 
Published: June 2012

Unlike infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and malaria, which are recognized as issues on the global health agenda, cancer has yet to be given its rightful position as a global health issue of pressing importance. This is due to perceptions of cancer as being a disease of the industrialized world, and one that affects individuals as a result of lifestyle choices. The Asia Cancer Forum is engaged in efforts to raise awareness among specialists of the importance of placing cancer on the global health agenda. Recently the global health implications of cancer have been gaining international attention and momentum is growing toward concerted global action against cancer.

As part of its ongoing initiatives the Asia Cancer Forum implemented a questionnaire survey targeting cancer specialists, entitled “Survey on Inclusion of Cancer in the Global Health Agenda.” The survey was implemented at the 101st Annual Meeting of the AACR and at the World Cancer Congress UICC 2010. The responses received from these surveys showed a number of divergent views, which underline the need to establish shared recognition among cancer specialists. Asked why cancer is not yet included in the global health agenda, respondents mentioned the following: (1) there are too many targets; (2) cancer is a disease that affects individuals; (3) Cancer is an issue for individual countries to address; (4) cancer requires enormous budgetary provision; and (5) there is insufficient global data. These responses encapsulate the challenges for cancer research. In contrast to measures implemented to date for tackling infectious diseases, which have been discussed in linear terms, the global challenge of cancer requires a multi-layered response. Cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care vary from country to country, and strategies for combating cancer therefore exist on multiple levels. To truly combat cancer in the global sense it is therefore essential to gain broad participation of cancer researchers. Given the limitations for medical treatment in the context of international aid, it is important to create a framework whereby the benefit of solutions to common challenges can be enjoyed by both the developing and industrialized world. Research is now tending to concentrate on increasingly specialized areas, making it all too easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Placing cancer on the global health agenda will help to demonstrate how cancer research can contribute to the wellbeing of humanity as a whole. Following up on the valuable survey results gathered at the AACR in 2010, the Asia Cancer Forum is committed to creating a common awareness among cancer researchers about the tremendous value for society of placing their work and achievements in a global health context.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1840. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1840