Every year thousands of people in poorer countries succumb to various types of cancer but would have been saved through early detection and treatment according to health experts.
Thousands of participants from more than 130 countries are attending a hybrid Congress in Geneva to explore challenges and opportunities of the fight against cancer.
This congress from October 18 to 20, initiated by the International Union Against Cancer, brings together the global cancer community to reduce the global burden of cancer through the power of collective action.
The congress is also highlighting information and experience sharing panels to allow participants to have a better knowledge of prevention and screening, care and research on different types of cancer.
First Lady of the DRC, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi in her capacity as Vice-President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) attended this congress.
“First Ladies of Africa are working to: (1) contribute to the reduction of premature mortality due to cancer; (2) forge the strategic partnerships necessary to strengthen initiatives and programs on cervical cancer,” she said.
However, Mrs. Nyakeru Tshisekedi called for advocacy to mobilize resources to facilitate access to care; psychological support is in place for patients and communities; an early detection program is set up; a permanent extension and awareness program is established; training of healthcare personnel is in place and a vaccination program is developed to eliminate cervical cancer.
“In my opinion, people living with cancer are faced with a lack of information and training, both for caregivers and for patients and non-sick people, difficult access to care, expensive care, inadequate infrastructure and difficult acceptance of patients and a lack of support from the community (family, friend, etc.),” she said.
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) organises the World Cancer Congress every two years, each time taking the global event to a different UICC member country.
