Global Cancer Prevention
Global health now encompasses diseases previously associated with developed economies, including cancer. Experts estimate that in 2008, approximately 7.6 million people died from cancer worldwide, with 64% of these deaths in developing countries.
In response, the National Cancer Institute has formed a Center for Global Health. The NCI has identified a number of factors that contribute to the rising number of cancer deaths in developing countries including population growth, population aging, and an increased prevalence of risk factors such as obesity and the use of tobacco and alcohol.
UNC Lineberger faculty have a broad range of expertise in cancer prevention and control and experience working with numerous partners in the public and private sector.
Key questions involve:
- Geographic and cultural patterns of disease
- Health care system capacity
- Effectiveness of cancer control strategies
UNC Lineberger collaborates with Carla Chibwesha, MD, MSc and colleagues from the UNC Division of Gynecologic Oncology on a cervical cancer prevention initiative in Zambia. This cancer prevention initiative is an internationally recognized model for implementation of cancer prevention in the developing world.