In conjunction with International Women's Day, The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and Pfizer Inc. have announced the next phase of their pioneering grants initiative to address the unique challenges facing metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients around the globe. The Seeding Progress and Resources for the Cancer Community (SPARC): Metastatic Breast Cancer Challenge was designed to support the implementation of projects that address the specific needs of women with metastatic breast cancer globally - many of which extend beyond treatment. This is of particular importance as more than an estimated 1.7 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer globally each year(1) and breast cancer incidence rates are increasing especially in developing countries where the majority of cases are diagnosed in late stages.(2)
The SPARC MBC Challenge, launched in 2015, awarded $760,000 (USD) in funding to 20 organisations in 18 countries to support projects that are making an impact in developed and developing countries across the globe. Through the renewal of this initiative, Pfizer will provide a second grant in the amount of $530,000 (USD) to UICC that will support up to 20 additional mBC-specific programs as well as the continuation of select ongoing SPARC projects.
"UICC and its members are delighted to continue working with our partner Pfizer on this first-of-its-kind program," said Cary Adams, chief executive officer of UICC. "We look forward to marking International Women’s Day on 8th March by asking groups worldwide to propose projects that will close the gaps between metastatic breast cancer and early breast cancer awareness and support."
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide.1 While the majority of women are diagnosed early, in developed countries up to one-third of women diagnosed with early breast cancer will go on to develop metastatic disease(3,4), while 5-10% of women present with metastatic disease at initial diagnosis.(5) This initiative aims to bring the global oncology community together to build on collective experiences and knowledge, and work toward providing all metastatic breast cancer patients with access to the types of resources they need for their care, no matter where they live.
"To date, the impact of the SPARC MBC Challenge has been significant and far-reaching, helping metastatic breast cancer patients around the world with diverse backgrounds, needs and aspirations. Since launch, grantees have reached thousands of mBC patients with their programs and created hundreds of new patient resources in more than 20 languages," said Liz Barrett, president and general manager, Pfizer Oncology. "We are committed to expanding this bold initiative with UICC with the aim of further improving the outlook for these patients and fostering an environment where they feel validated and supported."
The recipients of the 2017 grants will have the opportunity to benefit from mentorship and best-practice sharing from the 2015 awardees. This includes organisations like Instituto Oncoguia, a non-profit that recently launched Network Plus Life (Rede + Vida), bringing together metastatic breast cancer patients from different regions of Brazil for training on how to provide support and information to other metastatic breast cancer patients, as well as the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE) in Rwanda, which created its first support group for rural women battling metastatic disease.
Organisations with a desire to focus on supporting metastatic breast cancer patients are invited to submit proposals. Recipients will be announced in October 2017.
About the Seeding Progress and Resources for the Cancer Community (SPARC)
Metastatic Breast Cancer Challenge The SPARC MBC Challenge aims to address critical issues for people at risk of, or living with metastatic breast cancer. An independent, external steering committee, consisting of leading experts in the fields of cancer care and advocacy on behalf of metastatic breast cancer patients and chaired by globally renowned oncologist and leading breast cancer advocate, Dr. Fatima Cardoso, will award grants to organisations globally in support of programs that address the following challenges in metastatic breast cancer:
•Close the gap on patient communication and navigation of care option...
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