Pittsburgh-based UPMC, in conjunction with the Union for International Cancer Control, the World Economic Forum, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the National Cancer Institute and others, launched a global initiative that aims to provide quality cancer care in cities around the world with populations exceeding 1 million lives.
The initiative, called "C/Can 2025: City Cancer Challenge," will target select cities from low and middle income countries that show the greatest need for improved cancer care services. The first cities committing to the challenge are: Asuncion, Paraguay; Cali, Colombia; and Yangon, Myanmar.
UMPC will serve on the steering committee for the multisector initiative and will help assess the gaps in cancer care in participating cities and design solutions to fill those needs.
Officials said they anticipate 80 cities will commit to the challenge by 2019.
"As an international leader in providing high-quality cancer care, UPMC is a natural partner for this ambitious effort," said Charles Bogosta, president of UPMC International and UPMC Cancer Center. "With more experience in international cancer care than any other academic medical center, we are proud to be part of a coalition that will improve the quality of cancer care around the world."