|
|
March 13 Conference
 THE
MOMENTUM IS BUILDING IN SOUTH CAROLINA!
In recognition of March as Colorectal Cancer
month, representatives from across our state were invited
to attend one-day conference, entitled “Colorectal
Cancer in South Carolina: From the Benches to the Trenches."
The event took place on Monday, March 13, 2006, at the Cleveland
Park Conference Center in Spartanburg, SC. Over 75 individuals
were in attendance.
In South Carolina, approximately
2,200 individuals are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each
year, and over 800 die from it. Though highly preventable
through screening, the disease continues to rank second
among cancer deaths both in South Carolina and in the US.
The conference addressed a number of issues
regarding colorectal cancer, and sought to build bridges
and unity among leaders within the scientific, clinical,
public health practice, survivor and patient advocacy groups
statewide. Our keynote speaker was Dr. Curtis Harris,
of the National Cancer Institute, an internationally renowned
research scientist with a deep knowledge of human cancer.
Ms. Judith Blanchard, from the Cancer Research and
Prevention Foundation, spoke and facilitated discussion
concerning the Dialogue for Action and the potential in South
Carolina. The agenda also included the South Carolina First
Lady Jenny Sanford and leading authorities from across
our state on colon cancer.
This meeting was the first of its kind,
initiating a statewide dialogue on key aspects of colorectal
cancer, including research, screening services, prevention,
treatment, and public policy. Attendees came from diverse
professional backgrounds, which was key to the success of
the program. Representation from the medical community,
public health agencies, non-profit agencies, researchers,
and advocates enriched the round table discussions. Relationships
were built and have led to new partnership.
Exciting outcomes from this meeting have
been:
- South Carolina was awarded, by the CDC/CRPF, funding
for the Dialogue for Action 2007
- SCCA formed a subcommittee specifically for colorectal
cancer.
- On June 6, 2006, Irene Prahbu Das, Director of the Division
of Cancer Prevention & Control, arranged a conference
call with the CDC providing a in-depth review of the SECAP
study, the model, and the results for South Carolina.
- The Susan Cohan Kasdas Foundation is sponsoring a one
day symposium entitled, "Save our Parents: Sharing,
Caring, and Surviving Colon Cancer," in Columbia,
South Carolina on October 24, 2006.
Activities, relationships, and projects
are developing and South Carolina is establishing momentum
behind the fight against colon cancer.
This program was made possible
through the collaboration of USC’s Center for Colon
Cancer Research, the Gibbs Regional Cancer Center, the Department
of Health and Environmental Control, and the SC American
Cancer Society.
Printer friendly documents:
Dictation
from Speaker's Presentations
Notes
from Table Discussions
|
