Cancer is one of the greatest public health challenges in Latin America, second only to cardiovascular diseases. According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the region faces an alarming mortality rate: for every 22 diagnoses, there are around 13 deaths. This situation is largely driven by socio-economic inequality, resulting in late diagnoses and unequal access to treatment. The World Health Organisation (WHO) forecasts an 83 per cent increase in new cases and a 98.5 per cent rise in cancer mortality in the region by 2050.

In this context, the 1st Multilateral Summit of Latin American Cities on Cancer Control is a political event aimed at bringing together city leaders from different Latin American countries, health institutions, civil society organisations, public administration leaders, experts and international organisations to discuss structural solutions to reduce cancer mortality and inequalities in access to cancer diagnosis and treatment in the region.

Find out more here.