The World Conference on Breast Cancer
Since 1997, The World Conference on Breast Cancer has continued to provide an international grassroots gathering that centres on the many ways individuals experience breast cancer and the roles in which science, clinical practice, and support play in giving them the ability to add value to their individual and family lives.
The World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation hosts the conference in which international delegates participate every three years. The next conference will be held in 2011 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from June 7th - June 11th and will be attended by a vast number of cultures and community networks involved with breast cancer around the world (geographic, ethno-racial, researcher, clinician, survivor, government representative, policy maker, artist and advocate).
The conference will provide an opportunity to unite with others and make connections through mutual understanding, respect and support. Drawing on the varied perspectives each individual brings, the conference focuses on the challenge of meeting the complex and diverse needs on a worldwide basis.
Objectives:
1. To educate and share information on all aspects of breast cancer, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research, support, survivorship and international outreach;
2. To provide an opportunity for those affected by the disease to express their fears, frustrations, hopes and dreams, and to be able to tell their stories;
3. To build and strengthen local, regional and international networks concerned with breast cancer;
4. To move forward and advance global and local action related to breast cancer;
5. To create a well-organized, supportive and welcoming environment that provides valuable information to participants;
6. To support delegates and participants during the conference.
The International Support Links Projects
The International Support Links project (ISL) was designed as a pilot project prior to the 2002 World Conference on Breast Cancer in Victoria. The purpose was to enhance the experience of delegates from developing countries and countries in transition by providing an opportunity for advocacy training and facilitating an ongoing partnership between the Canadian members and their international partners. Funding was provided by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Chapter.
In 2008, the World Conference on Breast Cancer hosted phase II of the ISL project, which created links between teams of Canadians active in the breast cancer community and teams of delegates from developing countries and/or countries in transition.
Linkages provided non-financial assistance in breast cancer awareness raising, education, advocacy, global action and/or emotional support as identified by participating partners.
Objectives:
1. To build on earlier experiences of international support and sharing from the 2002 and 2005 World Conferences;
2. To identify the priority needs (education, information, awareness raising, advocacy, emotional support) of women and men with breast cancer in each country within a facilitated workshop the day before the conference;
3. To assist delegates in gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfil their priority need(s) on returning to their home country;
4. To put in place a mechanism that will allow for continued sharing of materials and resources after delegates return home.
This Project was co-sponsored by Calder Bateman Communications, Edmonton, Alberta and CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.