GLOBAL CANCER HEALTH DISPARITIES : AFRICA'S PERSPECTIVE | Co-convened by AORTIC and NCI
Tracks
STREAM 2
| Monday, November 8, 2021 |
| 3:45 PM - 5:30 PM |
| STREAM 2 |
Details
Advances in cancer research have resulted in a decline in overall cancer incidence and deaths, and an increase in the number of cancer survivors globally. However, this progress has not benefitted everyone equally with certain populations experiencing significant disparities in cancer risk and outcomes. Cancer health disparities is a global problem that remains incompletely understood at the global level. While there are diverse definitions of health disparities, there remains a need to better define what global cancer health disparities are, taking into account the complex and multifaceted determinants across low- and middle-income countries. A global approach to studying cancer health disparities offers opportunities to understand and develop adaptable interventions and solutions that cut across multiple settings. To advance the science of global cancer health disparities, we aim to develop a consensus understanding among the global scientific community on definitions, priorities, and frameworks to systematically study and address cancer health disparities globally.
The overall objective of the AORTIC scientific session is to:
1. Articulate ‘real-life experiences’ that highlight cancer health disparities across and within Africa
2. Identify cross-cutting themes, research priorities and opportunities to advance global cancer health disparities research in Africa
Part 1: Presentations (Facilitator: Folakemi Odedina, USA)
1. A focus on cancer health disparities across and within Africa, and some global perspectives (Jennifer Moodley, South Africa) – 10 mins
2. A cancer survivor perspective on cancer health disparities with a focus on health systems (Kwanele Asante, South Africa) – 10 mins
3. Cancer health disparities in Africa – a genomic/genetic perspective – (Solomon Rotimi, Nigeria) – 10 mins
Live audience survey for additional disparities experiences in Africa (Tiffany Wallace, NCI-USA)
Part 2: Panel discussion (Facilitator: James Alaro, NCI-USA)
1. Framing global cancer health disparities research (James Alaro) – 5 mins
2. Explore cross-cutting themes, research priorities, opportunities, and barriers and facilitators to advancing cancer health disparities research in Africa – 55 mins
Panelists: Speakers plus Lisa Newman (USA), Solomon Rotimi (Nigeria), Sanya Springfield (NCI-USA), Satish Gopal (NCI-USA)
Speaker
Dr Folakemi Odedina
Mayo Clinic
Introductory remarks
Prof Jennifer Moodley
University Of Cape Town
A focus on cancer health disparities across and within Africa, and some global perspectives
Abstract
Although the burden of disease in Africa is dominated by infectious diseases, the burden of cancer is growing. Currently approximately 1 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Africa and we know this is likely to be an underestimate as comprehensive cancer mortality and morbidity data is not readily available for Africa. The outcome for many in Africa affected by cancer is poor. Yet over the past few decades there have been significant advances in our understanding of the causes of cancer, as well as methods to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease. For example we know that exposure to infectious agents such as Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus increase the risk of developing certain cancers. This knowledge has led to development of diagnostic tests and has also translated into effective prevention efforts such as vaccines and screening tests. However, these scientific advances have not reached many in Africa. For example, 77% of countries in Europe have introduced the HPV vaccine into their vaccination programs, compared to 31% of countries in Africa. Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths amongst women in Africa. Similarly the significant advances in cancer treatment have failed to reach many in Africa. This talk will highlight differences in access to and benefit from scientific advances cancer that make the risk of acquiring cancer, the journey to cancer diagnosis and the experience of cancer care very different for people within and across Africa.
Ms Kwanele Asante
BreastSens
A cancer survivor perspective on cancer health disparities with a focus on health systems
Dr Solomon Rotimi
Covenant University
Cancer health disparities in Africa – a genomic/genetic perspective
Dr. Tiffany Wallace
Live audience survey for additional disparities experiences in Africa
Dr James Alaro
National Cancer Institute
Framing global cancer health disparities research
Dr Lisa Newman
Weill Cornell Medicine
Panel : Explore cross-cutting themes, research priorities, opportunities, and barriers and facilitators to advancing cancer health disparities research in Africa
Dr Solomon Rotimi
Covenant University
Panel : Explore cross-cutting themes, research priorities, opportunities, and barriers and facilitators to advancing cancer health disparities research in Africa
Sanya Springfield
Panel: Explore cross-cutting themes, research priorities, opportunities, and barriers and facilitators to advancing cancer health disparities research in Africa
Dr Satish Gopal
Director, Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute
Panel : Explore cross-cutting themes, research priorities, opportunities, and barriers and facilitators to advancing cancer health disparities research in Africa
Facilitators
James Alaro
National Cancer Institute
Folakemi Odedina
Mayo Clinic
