Global Colon Cancer Congress

Equitable access for all

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On October 18, the Global Colon Cancer Association held its fifth annual, and first in-person, Global Colorectal Cancer Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants from 24 organizations in 15 different countries came together to share ideas, collaborate, and learn from each other as experts in the advocacy work they do in their communities. Following the GCCA Congress, participants attended the World Patients Conference of the World Patients Alliance, gaining insights from advocates and experts across a broad spectrum of disease states.  

GCCA was honored to welcome many esteemed speakers, including

• Dr. Mazvita Sengayi-Muchengeti, National Cancer Registry, South Africa
• Belinda Wagner, Living with Cancer SA, South Africa
• Franscisco Freyria, Fundación Fomento de Desarrollo Teresa de Jesús (FUTEJE), Mexico
• Salomé Meyer, Cancer Alliance SA, South Africa
• Dr. Innocent H. Peter Uggh, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Tanzania
• Candace Henley and Boitumelo Ramasodi, Global Colon Cancer Association, United States and South Africa

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Topics included the state of colorectal cancer in Africa, the role of cancer registries in policy, building and managing patient-led registries, building effective CRC screening programs, developing national cancer control plans and patient bill of rights, using scientific research to strengthen advocacy efforts through researcher and advocate collaboration, and engaging and empowering patients as advocates. Each presentation was followed by robust discussions among speakers and attendees. In addition to presentations, the Global CRC Congress included a think tank, a group collaborative session where experts, advocates, and stakeholders came together to discuss specific issues, brainstorm solutions, and develop strategies to address complex challenges. It encouraged open dialogue, idea-sharing, and action planning to achieve targeted outcomes.