SYMPOSIUM

The 1st KESHO Cancer Screening Symposium, in partnership with the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) and with support from the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) took place on 19th August 2021. It was an interactive, immersive, virtual event focused around Innovations and Strategies for Screening and Early Detection for LMICs. Using a mix of pre-recorded educational presentations and real-time expert discussions, as well as interactive live Q&A opportunities, the Symposium addressed topics relevant to an international audience. Faculty provided anecdotal experience and reviewed current data to highlight successes and help remove barriers to increased adoption of more uniform and effective screening in Kenya and East Africa.

WHO projects that cancer will be the leading cause of death globally by the year 2030. A major component of any cancer early detection programme is education to promote early diagnosis and ensure compliance with screening programmes. The symposium brought together top regional multi-disciplinary professionals with expertise in screening and early detection to share their research and progress in the field. The cancer epidemic represents a huge challenge to LMICs mainly due to lack of screening and early detection, education and costly infrastructure. This symposium sought to show how strategies for screening and early detection of cancer are essential to reduce the proportion of patients presenting advanced disease stages hence increasing survival rates.

OUTCOMES:

1. Promoted knowledge exchange and increased understanding of the current evidence for early detection and screening, as well as international successes and challenges regarding implementation of screening programs.
2. Highlighted key innovations for screening and early detection that have been used in LMICs
3. Highlighted treatment approaches for early detection and screening as attendees interacted with experts and colleagues from around the globe via live Q&A periods and chat.
4. Promoted industry involvement and collaborations amongst professionals and organisations keen on cancer screening and early detection.
5. Sought to make early detection a strategic priority in Kenya and East Africa.

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