Canadian advances to be showcased on international stage

On May 8-10, the 11^th Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference will convene over 150 international cancer researchers and health professionals to share their latest research on how behaviours are connected to cancer. The conference will also provide an opportunity for Canada’s significant progress in cancer screening to be profiled internationally.

During the conference, participants will hear keynote presentations from three internationally recognised behavioural cancer researchers, including the Partnership’s VP of Cancer Control, Dr. Heather Bryant who will open the conference with a presentation, Screening: Can Old Wisdom Inform Implementation of New Screening Tests? Dr. Bryant will highlight Canadian experiences in screening for breast and cervical cancers and how these lessons can have a positive impact on colorectal and lung cancer screening.

“There has been great progress in cancer screening over the past couple of decades and we’ve seen changes in mortality from breast and cervical cancers as a result,” said Dr. Bryant. “However, this progress hasn’t been without controversy and we need to address the controversies and the lessons learned as we consider the future potential for screening for colorectal and lung cancers.  The conference will allow the participants an opportunity to discuss these issues and to consider how best to move forward to ensure the best health impacts from our current efforts.”

Other conference topics will include:

• alcohol and cancer
• tobacco
• physical activity
• nutrition
• sun protection; and
• supportive cancer care

The conference is being hosted by the Cancer Council South Australia in Adelaide and the theme is Taking action: translating research into practice for improved cancer outcomes.