PCF Joins Leaders at Global Cancer Summit

The Prostate Cancer Foundation joined 500 world leaders, representatives from corporations and non-governmental organizations and advocates from more than 65 countries at the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit held in Dublin, Ireland, this week.  For all participants there was one shared goal—a world without cancer.  This first-ever summit of its type brought together organizations and professional from both developed and developing nations and a cross section of organizations working to end cancer.   By 2010, cancer is projected to become the leading cause of death in the world.

"This meeting provided valuable content, context and networking opportunities," reports Dan Zenka, vice president of the PCF who was sponsored by LIVESTRONG to attend the summit. "Attendees were able to share their challenges and successes with others who are addressing numerous aspects--research, funding, public awareness and patient support--of the global cancer burden. It was as practical as it was motivational for all."

The summit was also attended by dozens of survivors who are living proof of the advances that are being made in cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, there remain tremendous shortfalls in the number of countries with comprehensive cancer control programs. Attitiudes towards cancer in many parts of the world also serve to stigmatize patients and propagate myths surrounding the disease.

"By sponsoring this kind of forum, LIVESTRONG is providing an important catalyst for accelerating awareness, increasing funding for research and patient programs, and progress, on all fronts, in the fight against cancer," reported Zenka.