UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: The U. S. associated Pacific Nations consist of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Belau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Cancer is the first, second, or third cause of jurisdiction-specific mortality for these populations. The U. S. annual per capita healthcare expenditure is approximately $5,000, whereas in the USAPIN, jurisdiction-specific annual health per capita expenditure is only $92 to $800. Prevalent determinants of cancer include high rates of hepatitis B, Helicobacter pylori infection, human papilloma virus), obesity. Ionizing radiation from the US nuclear weapons testing is also a prevalent determinant of cancer.

Methods: Through years of advocacy to Federal agencies and national groups funding was obtained to address the cancer burden. The Cancer Council of the Pacific Islands (CCPI) was formed from indigenous stakeholders. Cancer needs assessments were completed for each jurisdiction through this funding. Comprehensive cancer planning coalitions were subsequently developed in each jurisdiction to address the cancer burden. Nation-specific strategies were framed. Whereas each jurisdiction is financially and medical human resource poor, regional cooperative strategies were developed between 9 Pacific jurisdictions.

Results: Novel regional strategies were developed for a shared cancer registry, shared cancer referral center, regional laboratory, and shared training services. Participatory development proved essential for this project. Multiple US Federal and national agencies have partnered in these projects to address the cancer burden and insure sustainability.