The Vatican Conference emphasizes the importance of termination of inequality in cancer treatment that inequality has ended

By Francesca Merlo

The Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) has experts from all over the world for a two -day conference entitled “Cancer research, healthcare and prevention: Structuring of translational research to increase innovation and reduce inequalities. ”

The event took place on May 22nd to 23rd in the Vatican how science and politics can work together to reduce cancer treatment between rich and poor communities.

Professor Joachim von Braun, President of the PAS, said that the goal of the conference with Edoardo Giribaldi from Vatican News on the sidelines of the conference on the sidelines of the conference spoke and reacted to the strong inequalities in cancer treatment and prevention worldwide.

“They are mostly poor countries and poor people who are not reached by modern means to prevent and heal cancer,” he said.

Professor of Braun described Africa south of the Sahara as one of the most affected regions. There, he said, only around 10% of patients have access to radiation therapy, “one of the most important therapies for the treatment of cancer”.

In countries with low incomes, access to basic diagnostic instruments and treatments for cancer, including some of the most common forms such as breast cancer, remains very limited.

However, he also found that inequalities exist in some of the richer regions of the world, and found that some of the eastern and Central European countries in Europe also have fewer opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment.

The inequalities do not stop in the event of poverty. Professor of Braun spoke to some of the obstacles with which women have to be confronted in cancer treatment.

In many countries, women compared to breast cancer compared to stigmatization and misinformation. The fear of operations and social pressure often keeps them from looking for early medical interventions, which increases the mortality rates.

Despite these challenges, Professor of Braun emphasized all progress, especially in early diagnostics and preventive measures.

“Vaccination of young girls can prevent certain types of cancer and the early detection of colon cancer has a significant improvement,” he said. However, he emphasized that these advantages do not reach enough people.

A key proposal discussed at the conference was the creation of extensive cancer centers. These facilities would integrate diagnostics, treatment and palliative care and at the same time include NGOs and religious institutions.

“We bring everything together,” said Professor of Braun, “because we concentrate on action, not just on science, for the sake of science.”

In this regard, he emphasized the important role that the church can play in these efforts. He said his contribution spread far beyond awareness because he can offer incredible support for those who suffer from cancer and their families.

“Cancer is no longer a death sentence – if they are diagnosed early. This message has to be widespread,” he said.

Finally, Professor of Braun found that around 20 million new cancer cases with 10 million deaths are reported worldwide every year. This exceeds the tribute of the latest global health crises such as Covid-19.

In this context, Professor of Braun believes that the church can help the communities to react to the emotional and spiritual effects of cancer.

“We have to combine scientific innovation, political support and commitment to the community,” he concluded. “And the church can bring a message of hope, especially in this anniversary year.”