Washington DC- December 2023- The Burjeel Holdings Oncology Conference celebrated its 10th year, gathering global experts to address the intricate challenges of cancer care. The event, held in collaboration with Foreign Policy, highlighted the imperative for collaborative efforts to tackle the substantial impact of cancer on a global scale, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr. Catharine Young, Assistant Director for Cancer Moonshot Engagement and Policy at the White House, delivered a keynote speech underlining the necessity for collaboration and innovation in realizing the ambitious goal of the Cancer Moonshot, aiming for a 50% reduction in cancer deaths within 25 years.
However, Congressman Mike Kelly, Co-Chair of the U.S. Congressional Cancer Caucus, stressed the critical role of Congress in supporting research and patient care, advocating for funding for the National Cancer Institute and addressing access and affordability challenges. He emphasized the need to “connect people” and consider human experience. Hannah Adams, a pediatric cancer survivor, reminded the audience that “the most effective advocates put a face and a name to the child of cancer.”
Dr. Danielle Bitterman, Radiation Oncologist and AI Researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, emphasized AI’s potential to democratize care, while Dr. Jason Hipp, Chief Digital Innovation Officer for Mayo Collaborative Services, stressed the need for diverse data sets to ensure fairness and high-quality care for all.
Dr. Anshu Jain, Chief Medical Officer at Aster Insights, illustrated the need for equal access through the analogy of a “tall and short person reaching for a table of treatments.”
Felicia Gorordo, Alternate Executive Director for the United States, World Bank Group, highlighted the World Bank’s commitment to integrating digital health and access in its programs.
Moreover, The health equity panel focused on practical solutions, advocating for considering social determinants of health and scalable models for quality care in vulnerable communities. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, emphasized inclusion, closing health equity gaps, and leveraging data, technology, and training to overcome challenges.
Dr. Julie Gralow, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, emphasized partnering with patients and advocates to overcome barriers.
In emphasizing the global funding gap, Dr. Juan Pablo Uribe, who serves as the Global Director of Health, Nutrition & Population and the Global Financing Facility at the World Bank, underscored the absence of a singular solution.
Furthermore, The Burjeel Holdings Oncology Conference concluded with a compelling call to action, urging individuals to support research, advocate for patient-centered policies, and raise awareness in the ongoing global effort against cancer.
