Action on Cancer: World Against Cancer

A survey was conducted first in Ukrain neighbouring host countries and then in Ukrain in order to assess cancer needs. It is clear that the war significantly affected prevention, screening and provision of care, putting further stress on cervical cancer prevention programmes that were already under pressure from COVID-19 restrictions. Longer term, the war has increased exposure to environmental risk factors for cancer: shelling releases particulate matter into the air through dust and smoke from fires, which can seep into groundwater, potentially leading to contamination of soil and aquifers and entering the food chain.

World Against Cancer was formed in May 2022, a charitable foundation that has facilitated the flow of grants from international organisations and Ukrainian philanthropic organisations to take action on cancer. Grants from the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) enabled examinations of women with breast cancer and a programme of provision of psychosocial support and rehabilitation for cancer patients and their families in south-east Ukraine. A further grant from a French pharmaceutical company, Sevier, ensured the continuation of cervical cancer screening in the region and the establishment of a pilot programme of screening for colorectal cancer. This programme offers self-sampling by refugees at humanitarian aid points, with results sent by SMS or email. World Against Cancer is also supporting a new scientific programme at the Zaporozhye State Medical and Pharmaceutical University to identify ‘wartime carcinogens’ (such as asbestos) in eastern Ukraine, which could support the development of cancer prevention and screening programmes and health system rebuilding after the end of the war.

Knowledge

Ukraine Civil Society Action