Thousands of experts and leaders from around the world will gather in Montréal
MONTREAL, March 30 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Local Host Committee (LHC) composed of the Fondation québécoise du cancer, McGill University and Université de Montréal, announced today that the 2012 World Cancer Congress (WCC) will be held in Canada for the first time from 27th - 30th August 2012 at the Palais des Congrès of Montréal. This biennial event brings together the world's leaders in the fight against cancer.
"On behalf of the LHC, we are so proud to invite all Canadians interested in the fight against cancer, as delegates or sponsors, to join thousands of colleagues from the global cancer community from over 120 countries in a truly international program. The WCC is a meeting not only for professionals and experts, but also a rendez-vous for those who believe cancer is an issue that affects all facets of society," declared Dr. Michel Gélinas, President and Co-Founder of the Fondation québécoise du cancer and President of the LHC 2012 World Cancer Congress.
Organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in collaboration with the LHC, the 22nd edition of the WCC is also the first to be held in Canada and is expected to attract 3,000 to 4,000 participants.
UICC is the only non-governmental organization dedicated exclusively to the global fight against cancer and to the implementation of the "World Cancer Declaration" — a global call to action which, if achieved, would help reverse the cancer epidemic by 2020.
"With the support of our local hosts, UICC, through the 2012 World Cancer Congress, is offering participants a unique opportunity to join our Canadian and international peers and colleagues in cancer control to learn, exchange knowledge and best practices, network, and also discover the history, art, culture and joie de vivre that Montreal offers," said Dr. Eduardo Cazap, President of UICC.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for close to 8 million deaths each year. Against this devastating background and under the theme "Connecting for Global Impact", the World Cancer Congress 2012 will offer a unique opportunity to join Canadian and international experts and advocates in cancer control to focus and exchange on four main topics: Prevention and early detection, Cancer care and survivorship, Palliation and pain control and Systems in cancer control.
In August 2012, the WCC invites all Canadians to own the cause of cancer by giving them the opportunity to learn, speak, and act and thus making Canada a major hub in the fight against cancer worldwide.
About UICC
Founded in 1933, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is the largest cancer fighting organization of its kind, with nearly 400 member organizations across 120 countries. With its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, UICC's mission is to eliminate cancer as a life-threatening disease for future generations.
About the Local Host Committee (LHC)
The Local Host Committee is composed of volunteers and individuals with strong beliefs in the fight against cancer. They are responsible for facilitating the task of UICC in organizing the event in Canada and to promote this event to the Canadian delegates and potential partners. Members of this committee include:
Dr. Michel Gélinas - President and Co-Founder, Fondation québécoise du cancer and President of the Local Host Committee 2012 UICC World cancer Congress
Dr. Eduardo Franco - Professor and Interim Chair, McGill University, Department of Oncology
Dr. Jean-Paul Bahary, M.D., FRCP C - Assistant Director, Direction of professional services, University of Montreal Hospital Cente
For further information:
To follow us on twitter please search: @WCC2012
For more information on the WCC, please visit www.worldcancercongress.org
For more information, press only: Vital Adam, Media Relations, vital@lessenscreatifs.com, 514 825-2326