The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: AAPEC is an NGO, it started its activities in 1986 with the mission of improving Cancer Control. There are near 100,000 new cancer cases in Argentina every year and few efforts are made by the government to prevent them.

Methods: The group which led the beginning had strong commitment for Research and Epidemiology and a Population Based Cancer Registry was established. The other priority was Tobacco Control and Primary Prevention through schools was initiated the same as the Training of Health Professionals to give advice to their smoking patients.

Results: The Cancer Registry began in 1989 and in 1992 we signed an Agreement with the International Agency for Cancer Research. In 2002 its data were included in Cancer Incidence in Five Continents, its international publication. Tobacco Control Programmes were also held including: School Programmes, Training of Health Professionals and of Tobacco Control Associations and Community Leaders and Legislators to give support to the FCTC. AAPEC also took part of the ACSU Program and with its help, we organized the first Relays for Life. AAPEC also helped the Provincial and National Government on Cancer Registration and Tobacco Control. The National Guides for Tobacco Cessation and for Smoke Free Environmental Air were recently launched. The Argentine Medical Association conferred the 2002-2003 “Carlos Gonzalez Cambaceres” biennial award for its work. We believe that the Impact of our Association at national and regional level is due mainly to the fact of the epidemiologic approach to Tobacco and Cancer Control that has prevailed during these years.