Cancer in Africa: AORTIC 8th international cancer conference 'entering the 21st century for cancer control in Africa' 30.11.-2.12.2011

摘要

Cancer in Africa seems a rather unusual topic. Considering the major topic 'non-communicable diseases' at the general assembly of the United Nations (UN) in September this year it is rather newsworthy. The 4 main non-communicable diseases - cardiovascular disease, chronic lung diseases, diabetes and cancer - kill 3 in 5 people worldwide causing great socio-economic harm, particularly in developing nations. The conclusion of the UN is 'stop smoking, reduce drinking, eat healthy, do sports, and prevent cancers'. Thus, it is definitely a challenge for the international scientific community to discuss the topic of cancer in developing countries. The African Organisation for Research and Treatment in Cancer (AORTIC) was formed in 1983. AORTICs Objectives are to 'support, integrate and facilitate evidence-based interventions and innovative programs towards the prevention and control of cancer in Africa. The mission is to facilitate the development of national cancer control programs; to facilitate and promote research in cancer relevant to Africa and to create awareness of the prevalence of cancer in Africa' (www.aortic-africa.org).