Research Triangle Institute India, one of the world's leading independent, nonprofit research and development organizations dedicated to improving the human condition hosted a two day Symposium on "Cancer Prevention in India" along with the American Cancer Society, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology (ICPO), and Harvard Global Equity Initiative.

The two day symposium brought together various bodies, both national and international, who collectively and collaboratively addressed various aspects of early detection and prevention of cancer in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Wayne Holden, president and chief executive officer, RTI International, "Since our inception we have been tirelessly working around the globe to create awareness about Non Communicable Diseases. Approximately 13 percent of the global burden of cancers-about 1 million new cases and more than 700,000 deaths annually-occur in India alone. Our work in over 75 countries has given us the edge to understand and address the burden of cancer more strategically and holistically. This symposium is aimed at creating a much-needed platform for all key stakeholders - government, health care providers, researchers, survivors, private sector, patient advocates, and foundations - to come together and thus take a fresh approach to address cancer prevention in India. I am delighted to see a diverse participation today representing all key stakeholder groups."

Eminent personalities who participated in the symposium were
Mr R Sankaranarayanan, World Health Organization, Ambassador Sally Cowal, American Cancer Society, Mr CK Mishra, Government of India, Mr MS Shanmugam, Government of Tamil Nadu along with other dignitaries from India and abroad.