National Cancer Institute (NCI)’s Post

CDC recently recognized DHEC's South Carolina Central Cancer Registry (SCCCR) as a “Registry of Distinction” for having high-quality data available for cancer prevention and control activities at the local, regional and national levels. As part of the CDC National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), the SCCCR collects, processes, analyzes and publishes cancer incidence (newly diagnosed cases) for South Carolina. The SCCCR also publishes information on cancer mortality (deaths), which is provided by DHEC’s Bureau of Vital Statistics. The SCCCR was one of 43 cancer registries nationwide to earn the honor as a CDC NPCR Registry of Distinction. This achievement indicates that South Carolina’s cancer registry met the CDC NPCR National Data Completeness and Quality Standard for its most recent data submission. “The South Carolina Cancer Registry plays a critical role in determining the frequency and rate of cancer occurrence in our state and in comparing cancer trends in South Carolina to national patterns,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC director. “Information from the registry can then be used to inform efforts to combat cancer in our state. This recognition confirms that DHEC is providing accurate, high-quality data that has value to our local and national partners.” Data is submitted annually to the CDC and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) and undergoes stringent examination to test for completeness, timeliness, and quality. Meeting CDC NPCR standards also allows the SCCCR’s data to be included in this year’s U. S. Cancer Statistics (USCS) data products, including the USCS Data Visualizations tool and researcher public use databases. The SCCCR is the point of contact within DHEC to assess community cancer concerns through data analysis. CDC guidelines are followed to determine any cancer excess in the community. A Community Cancer Assessment (CCA) report is provided with results of the assessment for all requests. For cancer registry data related to cancer incidence and mortality, visit the South Carolina Community Assessment Network (SCAN). To learn more about the SCCCR, visit scdhec.gov/CancerRegistry.

AUSTRALIAN CANCER CARE NETWORK LAUNCHES TO LINK SERVICES TO POPULATION, CLINICIANS & RESEARCHERS The landscape of cancer care in Australia is set to transform with the Australian Government launch in May 2024 of the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) at the Innovations Showcase event, hosted by Cancer Australia in Sydney, Australia. The ACCN is a nationally integrated system of cancer care, aimed at enhancing patient experiences and outcomes through coordinated and equitable access, by linking to comprehensive cancer services across Australia. Anchored by Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs), the ACCN strives to deliver evidence-driven prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support to all Australians affected by cancer. Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) will serve as anchors in the ACCN, connecting various cancer control services nationwide. Through building partnerships and harnessing virtual connectivity, CCCs will collaborate with other cancer care centres, academic institutions, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, regional hospitals and allied health services, among others. While Australia has some of the world's highest cancer survival rates, not all people experience equal outcomes. There are significant disparities in cancer outcomes for some populations, particularly affecting those in rural and remote regions, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The ACCN aims to address these disparities, emphasising coordinated and equitable access to comprehensive cancer services irrespective of where a person lives, and marking a significant milestone in the advancement of cancer care in Australia. Australian Health Journal spoke with Professor Dorothy Keefe CEO, Cancer Australia on the ACCN launch and the network being a major milestone in the Australian Cancer Plan, which was launched at the end of 2023. Participation in the ACCN is voluntary, with services committing to a set of standards focusing on comprehensive cancer care, equitable access, research excellence, data collection, workforce development, and network connectivity. Importantly, the ACCN will complement existing networks and alliances within the cancer care landscape, fostering collaboration and maximising resources. All services and professionals involved in cancer care are encouraged to join the ACCN and contribute to this transformative initiative. "As part of the implementation of the Australian Cancer Plan launched in November, the ACCN represents an essential stage towards achieving our goals of improving cancer outcomes and experiences for all Australians.”, says Professor Keefe. She points out, “To achieve world class cancer outcomes for all Australians and realise the ambition of the Australian Cancer Plan, we need collective action from all sectors of health care to address issues that contribute to variation in cancer outcomes and experience.” 

FROM THE EUROPEAN CANCER ORGANISATION PRESIDENT: COLLABORATING FAR AND WIDE FOR BETTER CANCER CARE The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) is, at its core, all about building bridges: bringing together like-minded societies to fight a merciless disease. That was on my mind in Dublin recently as we attended the first Joint Euro-American Forum on Cancer. This summit, more than a year in the making, included leaders from ECO, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), government ministers, policymakers, diplomats, and many others. I found those three days of talks, especially with ASCO President Lynn Schuchter, MD, and Chief Medical Officer Julie Gralow, MD, to be particularly gratifying. Our two organisations are collaborating ever more closely to enhance cancer care on both continents. This alliance began during the pandemic when we were both searching for ways to address the vast disruptions to cancer care caused by covid-19. Then we joined forces again to help cancer patients in Ukraine get desperately needed medical treatments following Russia's invasion. Throughout, I've been greatly impressed by ASCO's approach to building a real partnership with us. They've taken the time to understand ECO -– the common challenges we face and the approaches we take. For example, we share the burden of inequalities in cancer care. In Europe, it's mostly geographically based inequalities. In America, it's more population based. Our societies are both focused on the paramount role of the patient, whether it be patient-centred care, patient-centred solutions, or patient-centred policy. It's something we discussed a lot because patients are the end users of everything we do. They are the ones who decide what is acceptable and what is not. We also share an expanding workforce crisis in healthcare and how best to address professional burnout and the growing tide of resignations. In addition, we are pursuing similar advocacy work and grappling with many of the same psychosocial issues in cancer care. These various discussions will resume and expand in the coming days as we now head to Chicago for ASCO's Annual Meeting. There, we will be joined by leaders of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) with whom we're also forging new bonds. In addition, we have been meeting recently with Chinese and Latin American cancer societies to explore other new opportunities to cooperate. It could not be more starkly apparent: if we don't build international collaboration to fight our common enemy, we will be left to flounder in geographical silos, professional silos, treatment silos, accreditation silos, etc. By building bridges and working together, we keep patient needs foremost in our sights – where they belong. With gratitude and warm wishes, Prof. Csaba Dégi #ASCO2024 Full report here: https://lnkd.in/duTsRS5x

With 2024 behind us, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible strides we’ve made at OWise and the profound impact we are striving to create in cancer care. This year has been a journey of growth, collaboration, and validation of our mission to transform oncology care. This progress would not have been possible without the incredible support from patients, advocacy groups, corporate partnerships and researchers. Your work and contributions inspire us daily to push the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare. Cancer care today remains fragmented, leaving patients overwhelmed and providers without the actionable insights they need. At OWise, we’ve worked tirelessly to address these challenges, leveraging personalised data-driven patient support and large-scale Real-World Evidence (RWE) to create a truly integrated platform that puts patients at the centre of their care. Our Impact in 2024 * Empowering Patients: OWise has now provided personalised support to over 20,000 cancer patients, equipping them with tools to manage their treatment and improve communication with their care teams. * Driving Outcomes: Through our modular platform, we seamlessly integrated multiple therapies and services, enhancing treatment-specific support and adherence while aiming to deliver better health outcomes. * Enabling Stakeholders: Our longitudinal datasets are instrumental in generating Real-World Insights for healthcare stakeholders, driving practice-changing clinical decisions, research and fostering innovation. Why 2025 Matters As cancer rates continue to rise, the urgency to deliver better patient outcomes has never been greater. With our scalable, multilingual platform and groundbreaking partnerships, we’re looking to expand the reach of OWise to redefine cancer care globally. Here’s to a new year of innovation, collaboration, and impact as we continue our journey to revolutionise oncology care for millions. Thank you for being part of this mission. Wishing you all a bright and hopeful start to 2025! Immensely grateful to the OWise by Px HealthCare team and the amazing community that is supporting us 🙏🏼 Maggie's Centres Laura Lee (DBE) Macmillan Cancer Support Richard Simcock Carly Moosah Soulstice London The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Olga Husson Dr Susanne Cruickshank Noëlle Vrancken Peeters Sophie McGrath Women Innovating Together in Healthcare Rafaèle Tordjman Annette Clancy CoppaFeel! Know Your Lemons Foundation NHS Lothian Peter Hall Caroline Michie Paolo Tarantino Mark Tuthill Marc Sluijs IKNL (Integraal Kankercentrum Nederland) Stichting kanker.nl Myrle Stouten-Kemperman NHS Innovation Accelerator NHS England Melanie Lee Melanie McIlroy Meera T. Toni Burón Vidal Anne de Korte The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Breast Cancer Now Simon Vincent PRELOVED RELOVED Cancer & Beyond Oncode Accelerator Inspire2Live

Kicking off 2025 with the most important project I've ever done... We all know someone that's been through cancer. 1 in 5 people will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime and 10 million die from it each year. But almost a third of those deaths could be prevented through routine screening, early detection and treatment.  If only more was done... Feb 4th is World Cancer Day Spanning over 170 countries and territories, involving thousands of organisations and reaching millions worldwide, it's one of the world’s largest health initiatives. Launched in 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) its mission is to give the global cancer community a chance to speak with one voice, to raise awareness, engage decision makers and create positive change in cancer prevention, detection, treatment and support. In 2023, I began working with the senior leadership team at UICC and their long term brand and creative partners Motherbird to help develop the strategy, narrative and messaging for a new three year campaign for World Cancer Day, running 2025-2027. As always, I started by speaking to those in the know. I spent time talking to the UICC team and members - doctors, researchers and scientific advisors, foundation founders, advocacy specialists and cancer communication experts - right across the world, from Canada to Qatar, Sweden to Honduras. At the pointy end of the process was selecting a new campaign theme, a unifying topic that could traverse different contexts, cultures and approaches in cancer care and control. Something that was inclusive and inspiring, adaptable yet actionable...and a line that was translatable into multiple languages! The new campaign theme is built around a universal truth - that cancer isn't just a medical diagnosis, it's a deeply personal experience. Shaped by physical, emotional and situational differences, it's unique to everyone involved. So, 2025 marks the first year of World Cancer Day's 'United By Unique' campaign, a message that focuses on a people centred approach to cancer care and control. The campaign brings together individual voices and personal stories into a collective narrative calling for people, families and communities to be placed at the heart of decisions and actions in health systems worldwide. Some of the work I do never sees the light of day, but other times, it lives out in the world and can make a difference to the lives of real people. It's been awesome to see 'United By Unique' launch, be embraced by so many and I can't wait to see it develop over the next three years. A big thanks to UICC inc Dr Cary Adams, Nicole Engelbrecht Janine Fuochi Huguenin and the whole campaign team (who made the launch vid below), to Jack Mussett Chris Murphy and Daniel Evans from Motherbird and the UICC members that helped shape the strategy and story. Check out the World Cancer Day website (link in comments) to find out more and get involved on Feb 4th. #worldcancerday #unitedbyunique

Several weeks ago, Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, and fellow charities co-signed the joint One Cancer Voice letter to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, encouraging him to commit to a cancer (specific) strategy. Yesterday the UK Government committed to this: to a ‘stand-alone cancer strategy’. The key paragraph from Minister Kinnock (who responded to the debate on behalf of the Government) is as follows: “To build an NHS fit for the future, we first need to listen. To reduce the number of lives lost to the biggest killers, like cancer, we need to learn from people with lived experience, researchers and our NHS staff. We also recognise the need for leadership by the Government, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has been clear that there needs to be a national cancer plan. We are now in discussions about what form that plan should take and what its relationship to the 10-year health plan and this Government’s wider health mission should be. However, we are clear that we must develop and publish the 10-year health plan in spring 2025, before we can publish a stand-alone cancer strategy. We will provide updates on that in due course. The sequencing is important; it is best to set the strategic framework through the 10-year plan, and then a stand-alone cancer plan will flow from that. I have absolutely heard the message about the need for a cancer strategy loud and clear from hon. Members, and I will convey it to my ministerial colleagues and to officials.” Neuroendocrine Cancer UK will be submitting an organisation response to the current 10yr plan consultation – but you can also respond - using the following link: https://lnkd.in/eaVYTCkF The consultation closes on the 5th of December – but is only the 1st step. We hope by getting involved at the 1st step, Neuroendocrine Cancer UK - and our rare/less common cancer charity colleagues and communities - can continue to be involved at each subsequent step on the way. Rare and less common cancers, like neuroendocrine cancers, account for just under 50% of all cancers diagnosed in the UK - but more than 55% of all cancer deaths - it's time to gain a meaningful response to calls for action and intervention, to address unmet needs and gain more equitable access to expert services, diagnostics and treatments, and really improve outcomes. November 10th is World Neuroendocrine Cancer day - more than 32,000 people, in England alone, are currently living with neuroendocrine cancer - the incidence and prevalence continues to rise. So, if not now, when? #LetsTalkAboutNETs #LetsTalkAboutNECs #NETCancerDay #TooEasilymissed #TurningPointForCancer

"When I hear researchers talk about future developments, I truly believe further progress is possible." 🔵 This is Ann's story: part of our cancer patient advocate voices series. 🔗 Learn more about the VOICE Science for Patient Advocates course, run by the BCI and Independent Cancer Patients' Voice: https://lnkd.in/e_2HgQvF 💬 "My name is Ann, and I’m from Belfast in Northern Ireland. I have stage four metastatic breast cancer, which is incurable but treatable, with an average life expectancy of two to five years. I am on both anti-HER2+ targeted therapy and endocrine therapy, and have three-monthly scans to monitor if these treatments are effective. At the moment, I’m living well, and while that’s the case I want to use my time to drive positive change through my patient advocacy work. I work hard and am eager to see improvements made during my lifetime. I’m a member of the Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum, which aims to increase personal and public involvement in cancer research in Northern Ireland. Health care is devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive, and unfortunately, we are sometimes overlooked or left behind when improvements are introduced. I wanted to attend the VOICE course to help remedy that and ensure Northern Ireland is represented in discussions at the forefront of cancer research and care. The highlight of the VOICE course was listening to world-leading researchers and feeling a sense of hope and optimism about the progress being made. Great strides have been made in the past years. When I was first diagnosed, there were just two targeted treatments available for my cancer sub-type and I knew treatment options were limited as my disease progressed. But in the four years since my diagnosis, I’ve seen two highly effective treatments approved by NICE and reach the clinic. So, when I hear researchers talk about future developments, I truly believe further progress is possible. It’s also heartening to see how much the researchers care. I could feel their passion, enthusiasm and dedication, they all want to do their absolute best. Much of my advocacy work has been focused on breast cancer, but I want to deepen my understanding of metastatic disease more broadly. I feel lucky because we have some really effective treatments available for metastatic breast cancer and, as a result, we’re living longer. But people with other metastatic cancer types, such as lung, have so little time. Moving forward, I would like to advocate more for those affected by other metastatic cancer types." Queen Mary University of London | Queen Mary Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry | Cancer Research UK City of London Centre | David (Dave) Chuter | #cancerpatient #patientadvocate #breastcancer

2024: A Milestone Year for Lung Cancer Canada This year has been a landmark year for our organization and the lung cancer community. From supporting access to new treatments through a record-breaking number HTA submissions to supporting those impacted by lung cancer, we’ve made incredible strides. Key Highlights from 2024: • Launched a dynamic new website to provide easy access to vital resources and support for the lung cancer community. • Released Your Comprehensive Guide to Lung Cancer, empowering those with lived experience and their care partners with essential knowledge to navigate their journey. • Strengthened our commitment to research with increased investments. • Introduced a new bursary to inspire the next generation of lung cancer advocates. • Relaunched the Lung Nurses Network, amplifying support for those on the frontlines of care. • Introduced a bold new advocacy strategy, including the Lung Cancer Canada Policy Series, to drive meaningful change. • Expanded our community with in-person events across Canada through the generosity of our Evening of Hope hosts. • Celebrated our most impactful Lung Cancer Awareness Month ever, uniting voices nationwide to raise awareness, inspire action, and amplify hope. What’s Next in 2025: As the only Canadian charity dedicated exclusively to supporting and advocating for the lung cancer community, we recognize the immense work that still needs to be done—and we remain deeply committed to driving meaningful change. Next year, we’ll continue building on this momentum by: • Hosting Regional Lung Cancer Summits to engage and empower more communities across Canada. • Continuing our Lung Cancer Canada Policy Series and diving deeper into pressing issues affecting the lung cancer community. • Growing our Give a Breath event sites to reach even more people across Canada and raise crucial funds for research and support programs or those impacted by lung cancer. • Launching a new awareness campaign to address stigma, improve understanding of lung cancer, and drive action toward early detection and better care. • Expanding our podcast and webinar series to dive into pressing issues and emerging topics within the lung cancer community, and foster authentic, patient-centric conversations. • Getting Your Comprehensive Guide to Lung Cancer into more hands of those impacted by lung cancer, empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed care decisions and manage their path forward. • Enhancing our website to get those impacted by lung cancer with the current, evidence-based resources and information they need including clinical trials. Together, we’re making a difference — and we can’t wait to see what we accomplish next. Thank you for being part of this journey – we couldn’t do it without you. 💙 Shem Shem Singh Executive Director, Lung Cancer Canada #LungCancerCanada #AdvocacyInAction #LungCancerAwareness

Survivor Voices: The Vital Role of Survivors in Advancing Cancer Survivorship Research This National Cancer Survivors Month, the NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship (OCS) Director’s Series presented Survivor Voices: The Vital Role of Survivors in Advancing Cancer Survivorship Research. The June 18, 2024, event featured a panel of four survivors – Phuong Gallagher, Montessa Lee, Dr. Colin Goodwin, and Dr. Ameish Govindarajan – who shared their experiences with cancer misdiagnoses, tips on finding emotional and financial resources, and advice on receiving the appropriate care.    The opening message by @NCIDirector Dr. Kimryn Rathmell underscored the need to listen and to collaborate: “Our work depends on embracing all voices and working with patients, participants, caregivers, and advocates as our partners.”   The panelists’ cancer journeys led them to become advocates for other cancer survivors and to help bridge the gap between patient experience and medical practice. Moderated by @NCICancerSurv Director Dr. Emily Tonorezos, the panel emphasized the importance of • finding a specialist who addresses survivors’ symptoms • raising awareness about cancer and cancer screening among underserved communities • improving training and practice for pain management • seeking the necessary support “There is hope out there. Get your village around you to walk through this journey with you,” encouraged Ms. Lee.    Their stories highlighted advances in cancer research, in some cases even changing what used to be fatal diseases into manageable, chronic conditions. The panel also outlined the work that they feel remains. Dr. Govindarajan urged everyone “to commit to a future where the landscape of cancer survivorship is transformed by compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to supporting every cancer survivor to not just survive, but thrive.”   As Dr. Rathmell noted in her message: “To reach our ultimate goal, we all have a role to play.”   A recording of this webinar is available at https://go.nih.gov/IEq2aCi. View more information on National Cancer Survivors Month at https://go.nih.gov/vteXtom. To register for upcoming OCS events or to watch past recordings, go to https://go.nih.gov/yilrxiV.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month – A Call to Action! Every year, more than 32,000 Canadians face the life-altering reality of a lung cancer diagnosis. This disease doesn't just attack the body—it affects the spirit of individuals, families, and entire communities. It steals breath and hope, leaving behind uncertainty and pain. Lung cancer doesn’t discriminate—it affects smokers and non-smokers alike, touching men, women, young, and old across all walks of life. Anyone can be at risk. While progress has been made in understanding and treating lung cancer, the fight is far from over. Lung cancer remains underfunded, under-resourced, and surrounded by misconceptions and stigma. Despite being the leading cause of cancer-related death in Canada, it doesn’t receive the attention or support it desperately needs. It’s time for that to change. This November, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we have an opportunity to come together to generate support, raise awareness, and tackle the barriers standing in the way of better outcomes. It’s a time to educate, advocate, and take meaningful actions that can save lives. Here’s how you can get involved: -Join us for one of our upcoming Lung Cancer Policy Forums https://lnkd.in/g8gG7cRY -Attend the Faces of Lung Cancer briefing to hear patient stories, learn about challenges, and help shape the future of lung cancer care https://lnkd.in/gHxNs4pM -Attend our Evening of Hope, where we will celebrate survivors, share stories of resilience, and look forward to a brighter future together https://lnkd.in/gf57uZ3t -Discover the innovative research we're funding https://lnkd.in/gJMby5tf The 32,000 Canadians diagnosed each year need us — they are our friends, colleagues, neighbours, and loved ones. They live across this country, from urban centres to remote communities, and it’s up to us to reach them with the resources, support, and advocacy they deserve. At Lung Cancer Canada, we’re committed to supporting patients, families, and caregivers, no matter where they are. But we can’t do it alone. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s take action. Let’s educate ourselves and others about lung cancer’s risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of screening. Let’s shatter the stigma that surrounds this disease. Let’s show our support through advocacy, generosity, and compassion. Join us in making this month a turning point. Let’s use it as a call to action — to push for change, raise awareness, and bring hope for a healthier, brighter future. Together, we can make a real difference. Learn more, get involved, and support our initiatives at https://lnkd.in/gpxF7TjQ To donate: https://lnkd.in/gp8nJR7z #LungCancerAwareness #TakeAction #SupportLungCancer #HopeForAll #EveningofHope #FacesofLungCancer #LungCancerResearch #LC…