Precision Cancer Care in Africa (PRECISE)

Why PRECISE?

Africa is poised to have one of the highest rates of new cancer cases and premature death from cancers within the next decade. Barriers to care, primarily due to limited access to medical imaging and inadequate patient engagement in cancer care and research, contribute to frequent late-stage cancer diagnosis, which impacts treatment options. The Precision Cancer Care in Africa (PRECISE) Symposium is a pivotal initiative with the mission of transforming cancer care in Africa by addressing critical gaps in cancer care and research. PRECISE is a collaborative effort between The University of Pennsylvania Center for Global and Population Health Research in Radiology and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Nigeria, in partnership with the Project Pink Blue, Global Health Catalyst, Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Uganda, the Medical Artificial Intelligence Lab, Nigeria, and the Consortium for Advancement of MRI Education and Research in Africa (CAMERA).

The inaugural symposium will be held in Abuja, Nigeria and will feature leading-edge research, translational science and game-changing clinical approaches in cancer management presented by African researchers and global experts in the field. The symposium will be a hybrid event with keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, training workshops and networking opportunities to bring together an interdisciplinary network of clinicians, scientists, industry partners and community members to generate new insights into cancer diagnosis and treatment specific to the African context.

The Inaugural Symposium

The theme of the inaugural symposium: The Need for Patient and Engagement and Medical Imaging stresses the vision of PRECISE to address the fundamental barriers to cancer in Africa to improve patient outcomes through accessible diagnostic imaging. This first symposium will synthesize knowledge on challenges and opportunities of medical imaging in oncology, the role of artificial intelligence in diagnostics and treatment, awareness of societal perceptions to diagnosis and treatment including stigma, patient engagement and community enrichment and capacity building in cancer care and research.

Aim

The PRECISE symposium aims to emphasize the role of medical imaging in cancer care in the era of precision medicine while engaging patients to address societal barriers such as stigma and miseducation, fostering equitable stakeholder exchanges, and highlighting patient-centered approaches. We aim to create a robust, imaging-informed paradigm for cancer care, prioritizing African inclusion and contribution to global cancer health equity.

The symposium will provide a platform for intellectual exchange between African scholars, global partners, and grassroots community groups, while strengthening existing institutional relationships and establishing new partnerships, thereby enhancing global health equity and contributing to the field of oncology both regionally and globally. An interactive space for networking opportunities will be provided to participants to engage in one-on-one or group discussions and form potential collaborations.

Preliminary Program

We welcome physicians, researchers, students, community members, advocacy groups and industry representatives working or interested in oncology to attend the three-day hybrid event and activities

Why You Should Attend PRECISE Symposium

-Engaging Panels and Workshops: Attend dynamic panels and workshops to explore the integration of imaging and AI in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

-Faith-Based and Patient/Survivor Engagements: Collaborate with patients, survivors, advocacy groups and faith-based organizations in special sessions to co-create effective patient engagement and participatory research strategies.

-Hands-on educational and Interactive Sessions: Learn novel approaches and tools for point-of-care cancer imaging such as the use of portable ultrasound for cancer screening from expert users

-Skills Development and Hackathon: Develop and disseminate AI technologies for precision cancer care and the fusion of patient advocacy with cancer research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about the conference.

Registration

Attendance to the three-day event is free but requires registration. Please visit the registration page to complete your free registration and secure your seat at this pivotal event. Spots are limited for the pre-conference and point-of-care ultrasound workshop to ensure that attendees gain deep understanding of the concepts and interact with experts during the live hands-on training.

The Pre-conference workshops will be limited to users who are already practicing in the field. See the registration page for more details.