2007 Articles

African-Caribbean cancer consortium for the study of viral, genetic and environmental cancer risk factors

Ragin, Camille; Taioli, Emanuela; McFarlane-Anderson, Norma; Avery, Gordon; Bennett, Franklyn; Bovell-Benjamin, Adelia; Thompson, Angela; Carrington, Agatha; Campbell-Everett, Lydia; Ford, Jacqueline; Hennis, Anselm; Jackson, Maria; Lake, Sandra; Leske, M Cristina; Magai, Carol; Nemesure, Barbara; Neugut, Alfred I.; Odedina, Folakemi; Okobia, Michael; Patrick, Alan; Plummer, Wallis; Reams, R Renee; Roberts, Robin; Scott-Hastings, Sharaneen; Sharma, Sangita; Wheeler, Victor; Wu, Suh-Yuh; Bunker, Clareann

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute organized in Montego Bay, Jamaica a satellite meeting at the 52nd Annual Council and Scientific meeting of the Caribbean Health Research Council, on May 4, 2007, for the purpose of introducing the concept of an African-Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3) to research investigators from the Caribbean islands, and to extend an invitation to join the Cancer Consortium. There were 18 attendees from various countries: Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Hawaii, Jamaica, St. Kitts/Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States; the majority of whom presented or discussed their work and research interests. All of them expressed intent to participate as investigators in the proposed Cancer Consortium. Participants agreed that the initial purpose of the AC3 will be the study of viral, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle/behavioral risk factors for cancer in populations of African descent. The primary goal will be to provide new collaborative opportunities for cancer research between the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean. The AC3 aims to 1) address a significant need for studies related to cancer for individuals of African descent 2) advance scientific knowledge of the roles that viral, environmental, and genetic risk factors play in cancer etiology among minority populations and 3) lead to targeted interventions in order to address the existing disparity by reducing the incidence and mortality rates of cancer in these minority populations.