ASCO International: Expanding Programs Worldwide

Apr 26, 2015

It has been two years since ASCO launched ASCO International, a portfolio of integrated programs to advance oncology around the world. In that time, several new programs have been launched and existing programs expanded in significant ways.

In its first year, 2013, ASCO International launched Innovation Grants for research in low- and middle-income countries and expanded its International Cancer Corps program, among other initiatives.

In 2014, ASCO and its collaborating organizations hosted 55 educational events in 33 countries, reaching nearly 12,000 clinicians. Specifically, ASCO International continued to grow by:

Expanding Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses (MCMC). MCMC courses promote multidisciplinary, team-based cancer care. In 2014, ASCO International coordinated a record breaking number of MCMCs in the following locations: India, Armenia, Mexico, Vietnam, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Creating Cancer Control in Primary Care Courses. ASCO created this course to train primary care providers in low- and middle-income countries in cancer prevention, screening for breast and cervical cancer, cancer referrals, supportive care, and other topics. The course was inaugurated in 2015 in India and Georgia.

Developing resource-stratified guidelines. ASCO’s International Affairs Committee and Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee started developing ASCO’s first guidelines intended for a range of resource settings. Work is underway on guidelines in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.

Extending QOPI® to practices outside the U.S. Practices in Brazil and Greece were the first outside the United States to participate in ASCO’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI); oncology professionals from those participating practices report that the program has had a positive impact. ASCO is actively exploring interest in other countries and regions with an aim to expand the availability of this important quality cancer care tool.

Visit asco.org/international or contact international@asco.org to learn how you can get involved.


International Happenings at the 2015 ASCO Annual Meeting

Don’t Miss the First-Ever Global Oncology Symposium
ASCO is offering the inaugural Global Oncology Symposium in 2015 to facilitate cohesive, in-depth discussions of international issues in cancer care. Some of the topics covered will include geographic differences in the underlying biology and treatment of gastric cancer, cancer disparities and access to care, health care delivery systems, and capacity issues in pathology It will be held on Friday, May 29, from 1:00 PM–5:45 PM, and is open to all attendees.

International Assistance Desk and Resources
ASCO International will once again be providing assistance and resources at the International Assistance Desk, located in Concierge Services, in McCormick Place. Attendees will find answers to questions about ASCO International’s programs, the Annual Meeting, and Chicago. Interpreters will be available to provide information in several languages, including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish. The online International Attendees Resource Center also provides essential Meeting information, helpful travel tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. You can access the International Attendees Resource Center at am.asco.org/international-attendees.

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