Kathmandu, January 20

A three-day International Cancer Conference organised by Nepal Cancer Relief Society concluded here today.  Around 250 participants from 15 countries presented their papers at the conference.

Participants from Nepal, India, Australia, France, Mongolia, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the UK, among others, discussed about various issues related with cancer, including latest treatment methods.

Presentations were mainly focused on role of research in oncology, types of cancer, treatment available and measures to be adopted to control cancer in developing and well developed countries. The presenters also discussed the ways to make cancer treatment affordable for all.

Organising Secretary Vimal Kumar Hoda said the conference was organised to share knowledge and experience of the experts working in the field of cancer.

At the conference, experts urged the people to quit smoking, stop chewing tobacco and avoid alcohol intake to stay healthy.  “We have requested the government to raise tax on tobacco products so that the money collected can be used for the treatment of cancer patients in Nepal,” said Hoda.

Professor Sanchia Aranda, President of Union for International Cancer Control, was conferred the late Professor Anjani Kumar Sharma oration for her contribution to cancer care during the event.

As per World Health Organisation 8.8 million people died worldwide from cancer in 2015 which is the second leading cause of death globally. Globally, nearly one in six deaths is due to cancer. Approximately 70 per cent of deaths from cancer occur in under developed and developing countries.

Meanwhile, Nepal Health Research Council has started collecting cancer patients’ data. In the first phase, the council will collect data from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur.