NCC and BD to Implement Cervical Cancer Detection Program in Peru

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Cancer Coalition (NCC) and BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, are pleased to announce the implementation of a cervical cancer early detection program to benefit 75,000 underserved women in Peru.  With a goal to reduce the high cervical cancer mortality levels in the mountainous region surrounding Cusco, this extensive three-year program is set to conduct liquid-based cytology exams utilizing the BD SurePath™ Liquid-based Pap Test System.  

National Cancer Coalition's President Robert Landry stated, "NCC is pleased to announce this important partnership with BD on World Cancer Day.  Our organization has a vision and commitment to eradicate cervical cancer in this high-risk region of Latin America, and we are pleased with BD's strong commitment and generous support of our efforts."  Landry added, "NCC's goal is to reverse the increasing incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer, so that women can be free of this devastating disease in the future.  NCC seeks to transform how cervical cancer is addressed through our comprehensive woman's cancer initiatives."  The NCC Cervical Cancer Program has delivered access to training, diagnostic equipment, preventative therapies and treatment for at-risk women, as well as for the medical institutes that treat them in Latin America and Africa.

"Cervical cancer is deadly, especially for women who live in remote areas without access to today's liquid-based cytology screening methods," said Wayne Brinster, Vice President and General Manager, Women's Health and Cancer, BD Diagnostics.  "That is why BD is pleased to work with the National Cancer Coalition to help women in this underserved region benefit from a proven technology, which is often taken for granted in developed countries."  

BD is committing over $1 million in support to this NCC initiative over a three year period, which includes donations of: the BD SurePath™ Pap technology, corresponding consumables, services, technical expertise, and $150,000 in financial support.  This donation to NCC marks the largest ever in the field of cancer by BD, a company with significant expertise in women's health and cancer.

This program will be implemented by NCC in partnership with its local partner in Cusco – the CerviCusco Clinic.  CerviCusco was founded and is lead by Daron G. Ferris, MD, an internationally respected expert in cervical cancer prevention and detection.  Dr. Ferris stated, "through this collaboration with NCC, the CerviCusco clinic is pleased to have the opportunity to significantly increase the number of Pap tests that we administer annually for underserved women in the Cusco region.  This new support by BD is significant and will draw much needed attention for comprehensive strategies against cervical cancer – a leading killer of women in the developing world that is preventable through HPV vaccination or treatable when found by early detection methods.  We salute NCC and BD for making this impressive commitment in the global fight against cervical cancer."  

The National Cancer Coalition, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, supports relief, education & training, and research programs throughout the world. The Coalition's international medical assistance program provides requested specialty pharmaceuticals, essential medicines, hospital supplies and medical equipment to medical facilities that treat underserved patients in over 50 developing countries around the world.  For additional information, please contact NCC at: 919-821-2182 or visit our website at: www.nationalcancercoalition.org  

SOURCE National Cancer Coalition

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