Allen S. Lichter, MD, the chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), describes the importance of the UN conference on non-communicable disease (NCD). He mentions this is only the second time the UN has a held a meeting on a health issue. He goes on to mention that 2/3 of deaths around the world are related to non-communicable diseases. Cancer alone accounts for more deaths than malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis combined.

The UN's focus on this critical problem is crucial because it affects economies, political systems, and the ability to develop human resources. The cancer burden that is placed on the world can be prevented through programs to stop smoking and vaccines that help prevent cervical and liver cancer, which are often lacking in third world countries.

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Dr. Allen S. Lichter the chief executive officer of ASCO on the Importance of the UN Summit on NCD

Dr. Lichter on the Importance of the UN Summit on NCDs

Allen S. Lichter, MD, the chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), explains how ASCO has invested in the international issue of cancer care.

Lichter explains several of the projects that ASCO has sponsored including a course in 4 major regions of the world on multidisciplinary cancer management, which brings together multiple disciplines and teaches them how to work as a team. In addition to this effort the ASCO journal is published across the world in multiple languages. He further mentions the ASCO international cancer corps that sends senior US physicians to developing countries to help build an infrastructure for cancer care.

Dr. Allen S. Lichter the CEO of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on how they Address the World's Cancer Issues

Dr. Lichter on ASCO's Global Cancer Care Initiatives

Allen S. Lichter, MD, the chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), describes that ASCO worked with leaders in cardiology, lung disease and diabetes to create a signed personal letter representing the 300,000 membership of these individual organizations. The letter urged president Obama to attend the UN Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD).

Dr. Allen S. Lichter the CEO of ASCO Urges President Obama to Attend the UN Non-Communicable Diseases Conference

Dr. Lichter Urges President Obama to Attend NCD Summit

Allen S. Lichter, MD, the chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), describes the 3 major items that he hopes will occur because of the UN Summit for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which begins September 19, 2011.

Lichter notes that in order to change the world's approach and focus towards NCDs it needs to be openly stated that they are a serious world health issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Resources need to be concentrated on the issue and very specific targets need to be established and monitored to actualize implementation and progress.

Dr. Allen S. Lichter CEO of ASCO on the upcoming UN Summit for Non-Communicable Diseases

Dr. Lichter on UN Summit for Non-Communicable Diseases

Allen S. Lichter, MD, the chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) feels that in many respects ASCO is the world's oncology society. He explains the founders of the society recognized that cancer is a global problem and the exchange of ideas should be carried out globally. Fifty percent of the papers published in their journal come from overseas, over 50% of attendees at the 2011 annual meeting in Chicago were international, and the organization contains members come from 100 countries around the world.

Dr. Allen S. Lichter Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Society of Clinical Oncology on ASCO's Global Collaboration Focus

Allen S. Lichter, MD

Articles

Dr. Lichter on the Importance of the UN Summit on NCDs

Dr. Lichter on ASCO's Global Cancer Care Initiatives

Dr. Lichter Urges President Obama to Attend NCD Summit

Dr. Lichter on UN Summit for Non-Communicable Diseases

Dr. Lichter on ASCO's Global Collaboration Focus