M. D. Anderson Goes to Paris for the World Summit Against Cancer

"This summit represents the coming together of talent, accomplishment, commitment and need. The participants, understanding the crying need for progress, are intent on accelerating the translation of existing progress to practice and enlisting international forces to encourage additional accomplishments in research," says Dr. Gabriel Hortobagyi, chairman of the department of breast medical oncology at M. D. Anderson.

This first-ever gathering of dignitaries from around the world will signal a global commitment to eliminate cancer. Summit organizers say cancer will continue to become an increasingly important contributor to the global burden of disease as we enter a new millennium, despite the fact that many cancers are preventable through tobacco, diet, infection and pollution control.

"Research into the basic mechanisms of cancer and new forms of detection and treatment are the building blocks of outstanding patient care. As we move into a new millennium, we are in the midst of an explosion - ignited by basic research - of scientific discoveries that will light the way to even more clinical progress in the years ahead," says Dr. Mendelsohn.

Individuals around the world are encouraged to show their support for the global commitment against cancer by signing their name to the Charter of Paris Against Cancer, which was unveiled during the Summit. The Charter was co-authored by Dr. Hortobagyi.

Feb. 4 was declared World Cancer Day so that the Charter of Paris Against Cancer will be in the hearts and minds of people around the world each year.

For more information about the charter, and to sign your name in support, individuals may visit the M. D. Anderson web site at www.mdanderson.org.

The Charter of Paris Against Cancer

"We must continue to intensify our research efforts in two directions: towards the development of effective new treatments, naturally, but also towards a more sympathetic approach to the management of cancer patients."

- Dr. Gabriel Hortobagyi

The Charter of Paris Against Cancer is a declaration that aspires to raise international concern about cancer and was created by an eminent group of oncologists headed by Dr. Gabriel Hortobagyi of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, and Professor David Khayat of the Medical Oncology department of the Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris, France.

The Charter of Paris Articles

Article I: Cancer patients' rights are human rights.

Article II: The stigma associated with cancer is a significant barrier to patients' well-being and inhibits the creation of additional patient support channels.

Article III: Creating optimal environments for anti-cancer research innovation must be a commitment.

Article IV: Quality care for patients is a basic human right.

Article V: The need for urgent deployment of existing knowledge and technologies is crucial to stem the global burden of cancer.

Article VI: Prevention, screening and early detection are key to fighting cancer.

Article VII: The educated patient has a role in his/her treatment.

Article VIII: Improving cancer patients' quality of life is a primary objective.

Article IX: Designing anti-cancer strategies to meet variable needs.

Article X: A global cooperative approach to research, advocacy, prevention and treatment will ensure the longevity of the Charter's principles.

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/03_01_00/page_11.html