Civil society engagement and governmental cooperation will serve to improve the  prevention and control of cancer and the elimination of inequities regarding access to health services.

A major commitment to strengthen health policies and financing schemes for the prevention of cancer and comprehensive programs, and the support of society to raise the level of women's empowerment is required.

This is the message highlighted in "Women and cancer: A joint commitment to save lives", a side event to the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations, organized this September 25th by PAHO/WHO and the American Cancer Society.

PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne said that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) can provide the necessary conditions to improve cancer prevention and control and give people equal access to comprehensive and quality services throughout their life course without financial hardship. "No woman should become impoverished as a result of a cancer diagnosis," she said.

Read press release here