Cancer patient navigation: A global movement for better care. Raymond Chan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research at Flinders University, recently shared exciting news from the American Cancer Society (ACS Global) about the upcoming London Global Cancer Week 2025. This event is set to be a crucial platform for discussing and advancing cancer patient navigation (PN) on a global scale.
Session 1: Patient Navigation: Building Global Momentum.
Mark your calendars! The first session, taking place on November 24th from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM EST, will focus on patient navigation. For over 30 years, patient navigation has significantly improved access to care and quality of life for cancer patients in the U.S. But here's where it gets controversial: globally, PN remains underutilized. This session aims to change that. It will delve into frameworks, capacity building, and advocacy strategies to make PN a universally accessible service.
Meet the Leaders:
- Anu Agrawal: Highlighting the urgent need for global PN.
- Prof. Raymond Chan: Discussing framework development, including the GINO Project and the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC).
- Dr. Mary Nyangasi-Onyango, MD: Exploring PN integration within screening, specifically referencing the WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative.
- Kristie McComb: Focusing on capacity building through the BEACON & SPARK programs.
- Hanaa Serry: Sharing real-world implementation examples from Egypt.
- Dr. Patricia Chacón Lezana: Sharing real-world implementation examples from Guatemala.
Session 2: Framing HPV Vaccination as Cancer Prevention.
On November 25th, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM EST, the focus shifts to HPV vaccination as a critical cancer prevention strategy. The American Cancer Society, Cancer Research UK, and WHO-IARC will spotlight how civil society organizations are working to improve HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake. This session promises to be insightful, with speakers addressing the power of messaging and real-life examples from Colombia, India, Kenya, and Nepal.
Speakers Include:
- Anu Agrawal, ACS Global: Discussing why framing matters for cancer prevention.
- Partha Basu, WHO – IARC: Addressing the HPV burden and the power of message framing.
- Alex Wright, Cancer Research UK (CRUK): Exploring the role of CSOs in shaping narratives.
- Sutapa Biswas, Cancer Foundation of India: Engaging physicians through medical societies (India).
- Benda Kithaka, KILELE Health: Mobilizing community health promoters (Kenya).
- Pema Lhaki, NFCC Nepal: Reaching marginalized girls through schools (Nepal).
- Déborah Martínez Villarreal, Behavioral Methods & American Cancer Society: Influencing parents via health systems and insurers (Colombia).
A Call to Action: What do you think about the global disparities in patient navigation? Do you believe that increased focus on HPV vaccination can significantly reduce cancer rates? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
