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Radiation Oncology
52 Inside News
On 17-18 November 2015, I attended
the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit
in Istanbul, Turkey. The summit is run
by the Union for International Cancer
Control (UICC) and is an annual policy
meeting dedicated to discussing
emerging global cancer issues. I was
given the opportunity to attend in the
capacity of a ‘Young Leader’, along
with seven others from the USA, Chile,
Switzerland, Nigeria and El Salvador.
The UICC invited us to attend through
their scholarship program, as they were
keen to encourage the next generation
in global cancer to contribute to the
high-level discussions at the meeting.
The theme of the meeting was ‘Effective
International Collaboration’ and was
attended by over 200 delegates from
national governments, international
organisations, academia and the
private sector. What I found particularly
interesting was the diversity in ideas
on how to harness funding for global
cancer. In particular, there was a focus on
the need to increase the engagement
of private enterprise. In line with this,
a number of patrons also attended
the meeting, including the Sheikha
Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi of
Sharjah, who has recently established an
international fund for childhood cancers,
together with the UICC.
Attending the meeting provided a
unique opportunity for me to form a
network within global cancer circles.
Since the meeting, I have been
continuing to work with the other young
leaders to help develop global cancer
education pathways within UICC, as
well as collaborate on research. I have
also been able to gain more ideas for
globalRT, the online global radiotherapy
advocacy project that I lead, together
with Dr Danielle Rodin from Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto.
There was a strong Australian presence
at the meeting, including Prof Sanchia
Aranda, President elect of UICC, and
the Hon Nicola Roxon. It was great to
witness the fact that Australia is very well
respected for our leading example of
anti-tobacco policies and campaigns.
In continuing these successes, it
was fabulous to see our very own
Dr Bronwyn King speak on her work in
her Tobacco-Free Investment Initiative.
I would like to express sincere thanks to
RANZCR College staff for encouraging
me to apply for the UICC Young Leaders
Scholarship. If other College members
are interesting in applying for the Young
Leaders Scholarship or are interested
in contributing to please
email me on the address below.
Dr Mei Ling Yap
Radiation Oncologist at Liverpool and
Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres and
CCORE, Ingham Institute for Applied
Medical Research
College ‘Young Leader’ Attends
World Cancer Leaders’ Summit
Young Leaders’ welcome dinner with
member of the UICC Board, including
Prof Sanchia Aranda, President elect
of UICC and current CEO of Cancer
Australia (first left).
The eight young leaders with HRH
Princess Dina Mired from Jordan
GlobalRT is a virtual platform for
education, exchange, and action
around the need for equitable
access to radiotherapy services.
Web:
Facebook – globalRT,
Twitter @cancerrt