American Cancer Society CEO Elected President of International Union Against CancerAmerican Cancer Society John R. Seffrin, PhD, embraces the global challenge to decrease cancer incidence, mortality, and suffering  John R. Seffrin, PhD, officially began his term as President at UICC's General Assembly during the 18th UICC International Cancer Congress held in Oslo, Norway from June 30 to July 5. The volunteer and staff leadership of the American Cancer Society believe that formal collaboration with the UICC reflects a shared, moral obligation and strategic decision to build a coalition in the interest of world health, including the health of American citizens. "As cancer incidence and mortality rates have begun to level and then decline in developed nations, the burden of cancer has begun to shift to the developing world," Seffrin said. "In fact, by 2020, 75 percent of cancer deaths will be in the developing world. By transferring skills, sharing experience and collaborating with experts and organizations, we can help emerging societies apply proven strategies to save lives. And we can learn important lessons we can apply at home." "Cancer knows no boundaries, nor should the fight against the disease," said Isabel Mortara, UICC Executive Director. "The American Cancer Society brings the size, scope, resources and proven effectiveness against cancer that few organizations can match. We welcome Dr. Seffrin's leadership, insight and steadfast dedication as we attack this disease with a truly global perspective." A variety of factors contribute to the worldwide disparities in cancer incidence and mortality rates. Among the most significant is the fact that between 80 percent and 90 percent of cancer patients in developing nations already have advanced, often incurable, cancer at the time they are diagnosed. Availability and quality of treatment is another factor. Cancer is not only often detected sooner but also usually treated more successfully in developed nations. In the United States and other developed countries, for example, relative cancer survival rates are 60 percent or better, but in the developing world, the survival rate from cancer is only 30 percent. "To everyone, challenges of epic proportions require commitment, cooperation and determination of an equal or greater scope," said H. Fred Mickelson, national volunteer Chairman of the American Cancer Society's Board of Directors. "The current worldwide war on terrorism is a painful yet fitting analogy to our fight against cancer. Only by banding together will the world have the resources to defeat this enemy. For the American Cancer Society, global outreach is a natural role, given our size, leadership and experience." Seffrin reiterated the importance of the American Cancer Society continuing to include a global focus in its cancer-fighting mission. "Knowledge transfer is a two-way street," he said, "and by understanding how cancer affects all populations, we obtain insight into more effective strategies for reaching the diverse communities domestically. And U.S. support is crucial, because modest funding in U.S. dollars makes an enormous impact on cancer in developing economies." Seffrin's term as UICC President lasts four years. He will continue his day-to-day leadership of the American Cancer Society throughout this term. The UICC is the only global cancer organization with members and activities covering all aspects of cancer control. Founded in 1933, the UICC is an independent, international, non-governmental association of 291 member cancer-fighting organizations in 87 countries. For more information, visit www.uicc.org. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.
For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org |
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