UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: Between 1946-1958, 67 thermonuclear tests were conducted in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). The ionizing radiation was equivalent to 7600 Hiroshima bombs. Atolls were vaporized, people were displaced and land remains contaminated. There are significant and medical, cultural, political, economical and social consequences affecting the Marshallese people. A 2004 NCI study estimated an excess of 532 cancers caused by the ionizing radiation, half of these are yet to develop. There is significant political/scientific debate regarding the number of people exposed, the cancer burden in the exposed, and justified reparations due to the testing. Nuclear testing as a unique cancer determinant and the continued political / scientific debate surrounding this issue has significant implications for a comprehensive cancer control strategy.

Methods:

A local cancer coalition has been developed to address the RMI cancer burden. Members from the coalition include physicians who have worked with radiation affected victims and people who are survivors of direct radiation exposure. Addressing the cancer burden has involved the local leadership, United States Department of Energy, US Congress, US Administration, the NCI, CDC and multiple other agencies. Additional steps and assurances to the communities have been necessary to gather support for Comprehensive Cancer Control planning.

Results:

The cancer burden in the Marshall Islands is being addressed in a multifactorial manner. A large component of developing a sensible cancer plan interfaces with the bilateral sovereign country policies and debates. Moving the entire RMI cancer prevention and treatment forward becomes a local and international concern.