World globe surrounded by multi-colored cancer ribbons

Cancer center to host first-ever Global Oncology Symposium Dec. 12

(SACRAMENTO)

The UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute share a common mission: to improve cancer care worldwide by advancing research, training, and advocacy.

As part of that commitment, the cancer center is hosting its first Global Oncology Symposium Dec. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at its James E. Goodnight Auditorium, 2279 45th Street, Sacramento. Refreshments will be provided. The symposium is also being presented virtually. Register now for the free event.

“We encourage anyone interested in improving cancer care, prevention and research around the world to join us,” said organizer Elysia Alvarez, who with Cameron Gaskill, launched the cancer center’s new global oncology program this year. The purpose of this symposium is to showcase ongoing global cancer efforts at UC Davis, encourage collaboration and develop new projects.

The program is a collaborative effort to learn from cancer experts in other countries, exchange ideas and address cancer disparities. On one of the cancer center’s recent Beat Cancer podcasts, Alvarez and Gaskill discussed their plans for the global oncology program.

Keynote speaker

The symposium’s keynote speaker is Katherine Van Loon, director of the Global Cancer Program at UCSF Health. Her research is focused on improving cancer care in Tanzania, in collaboration with Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and Ocean Road Cancer Institute. Van Loon has long-standing expertise in global health and the epidemiology of gastrointestinal cancers in low- and middle-income countries.

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Primo “Lucky” Lara Jr. will deliver welcoming remarks. Other UC Davis Health speakers include Luis Carvajal-Carmona and Jeffrey Hoch..  Health experts and researchers will cover topics ranging from financing global health endeavors to exploring the different molecular genetic components of cancer across the globe.

Lunch table discussion

At a luncheon following the symposium, participants will be divided into groups to discuss their areas of interest, including —as research, program development and education.

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated center serving the Central Valley and inland Northern California, a region of more than 6 million people. Its specialists provide compassionate, comprehensive care for more than 100,000 adults and children every year and access to more than 200 active clinical trials at any given time. Its innovative research program engages more than 240 scientists at UC Davis who work collaboratively to advance discovery of new tools to diagnose and treat cancer. Patients have access to leading-edge care, including immunotherapy and other targeted treatments. Its Office of Community Outreach and Engagement addresses disparities in cancer outcomes across diverse populations, and the cancer center provides comprehensive education and workforce development programs for the next generation of clinicians and scientists. For more information, visit cancer.ucdavis.edu.