May 14, 2010
On May 14, Tashkent hosted an International Breast Cancer Forum. The event was attended by around 400 people among whom were professionals from Uzbekistan, Russia, Israel, Belgium, Spain, Singapore, Japan, Switzerland as well as representatives of governmental and international organizations, diplomatic corps and media organizations. The first international forum that focused on female cancerous diseases, titled “Medical Aspects and the Role of Public Organizations in the Solution of Breast Cancer Problems”, took place in Tashkent on June 30, 2009. It brought together over 200 representatives of governmental bodies, NGOs, businessmen and citizens’ initiative groups. These forums were held at the initiative of Gulnara Karimova. On May 15, the international participants conducted master classes, clinical discussions and medical consultations in the field of breast care, gynecology and psychology in several medical and other establishments.
One of the key organizers of the second Forum was “In the Name of Life” National Breast Cancer Association whose establishment early this year resulted from the round table “Joining Forces to Address Breast Cancer and Other Cancerous Diseases” and within the work frame of the “Prevention, Early Detection, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer” Program. The Association has given itself the goal of broadening opportunities for early prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer and other cancerous diseases of the female reproductive system; and improving medico-social and psychological support of women.
The Forum agenda consisted of three sessions. Session I: Modern Approaches in Breast Cancer Treatment (Radiology, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy)”. Session II: Social and Psychological Aspects of Breast Cancer (Psychological Rehabilitation, Public Associations’ Activities, Patients Advocacy, Impact of Breast Cancer on Women’s Lives). Session III: Modern Approaches in Cervical Cancer Treatment. According to statistics, breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most prevalent diseases affecting the female reproductive system.
The international forum featured eminent scientists and professionals among whom were Dr. Jo Anne Zujewski (Head of Breast Cancer Therapeutics, Clinical Investigations Branch, Cancer Therapy, Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis. National Cancer Institute USA), Mollie Williams (Director, Community Health Programs, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, USA), Matthew Krzyston, CEO of the Research and Policy Exchange, USA), Chris de Wolf (Director, BC Screening Program. Consultant of the Agency on Development and Evaluation of Health Care Policies, Switzerland), Dr. Wendy Yared (Director, Association of European Cancer Leagues. Health Care Programs Manager, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Belgium), Dr. Gilberto de Lima Lopez (Deputy Director of Clinical Trials, Johns Hopkins Singapore International Medical Centre, Singapore), Vladimir Semiglazov (Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Science. Head, Surgery Department, Scientific Research Institute of Oncology named after Petrov, Russia), and Galina Korzhenkova (Senior Research Associate, Department of X-ray Diagnostics, Russian Oncological Scientific Center named after Blokhin, Prime Breast Health Consultant, AVON Charity Program “Together Against Breast Cancer”, Russia), among others.
On May 15, the Republican Cancer Research Center, the City Oncological Dispensary, the Republican Specialized Medical Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salus Vita Medical Center and other establishments hosted master classes, clinical discussions and medical consultations provided by the foreign participants of the Forum - leading breast care specialists, gynecologists and psychologists. As many as 320 women and 30 patients with different oncological deviations were examined. Breast cancer was detected in ten women at an early stage, which allows for timely treatment and precludes harsh medical procedures.
These events were held as part of the “Breast Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Women with Breast Cancer” Program adopted at a round-table titled “Joining Forces to Address Breast Cancer and Other Cancerous Diseases”, which took place in Tashkent in February this year. The round-table brought together 160 professionals and representatives of various organizations.
The Program will be implemented based on a professional-specialized approach to the problem on part of governmental bodies, medical establishments and pharmaceutical companies through projects and programs developed by interested NGOs as well as a socially oriented approach through drawing the public attention to the problem, encouraging preventive measures and early detection and dissemination of informational materials.
Organizers: The Women’s Council Public Association, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “In the Name of Life” National Breast Cancer Association, Fund Forum, “In the Name of Life” Association of Women, EUROPA DONNA-Uzbekistan.
Related links
American breast cancer specialists lead training session for Uzbek colleagues