The fight against cancer is a global effort, and Raymond Chan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research at Flinders University, is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative. But here's where it gets exciting: he's bringing attention to a vital yet underutilized resource—cancer patient navigation (PN).
Chan shared a LinkedIn post, inviting people to join ACS Global at the London Global Cancer Week 2025, where a pivotal discussion will take place.
The core issue: PN has been a game-changer in the U.S. for over three decades, but it's time to take it worldwide.
Session 1: Unlocking Global Potential of Patient Navigation
This session will delve into the strategies and actions needed to make PN a global reality. It will feature renowned experts who will share their insights:
- Anu Agrawal will emphasize the urgent need for global PN implementation.
- Professor Raymond Chan will discuss the GINO Project and MASCC, offering a framework for development.
- Dr. Mary Nyangasi-Onyango will showcase PN integration in screening through WHO's Global Breast Cancer Initiative.
- Kristie McComb will share capacity-building experiences from the BEACON and SPARK programs.
- Hanaa Serry and Dr. Patricia Chacón Lezana will provide real-world implementation insights from Egypt and Guatemala, respectively.
And this is where it gets controversial...
Session 2: Framing HPV Vaccination as Cancer Prevention—A Global Perspective
This session takes a unique approach to cancer prevention, focusing on HPV vaccination. It will feature speakers from diverse backgrounds:
- Anu Agrawal from ACS Global will discuss the importance of messaging in cancer prevention.
- Partha Basu from WHO-IARC will shed light on the HPV burden and the impact of message framing.
- Alex Wright from Cancer Research UK will explore the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in shaping narratives.
- Sutapa Biswas from the Cancer Foundation of India will share strategies for engaging physicians through medical societies.
- Benda Kithaka from KILELE Health and Pema Lhaki from NFCC Nepal will present community-based approaches to reach marginalized populations.
- Déborah Martínez Villarreal from Behavioral Methods and the American Cancer Society will discuss influencing parents through health systems in Colombia.
Raymond Chan's LinkedIn post highlights the importance of these discussions and the potential impact on global cancer care. It's a call to action for all those passionate about improving cancer patient outcomes worldwide. Are you ready to join the conversation and be part of this global movement?
