Expert Consultation on Colorectal Cancer Screening in Latin America and the Caribbean. Meeting Report (Washington, DC – 16, 17 March 2016)

Abstract

[Background]. While colorectal cancer screening programs have been established in Canada and the USA, most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) do not yet have such programs, or screening guidelines, and services for colorectal cancer are often not available in the public sector. Furthermore, guidance is lacking on how to effectively implement evidence based and high quality colorectal cancer screening programs, particularly in limited resource settings. Based on this context, the Pan American Health Organization, in collaboration with the USA Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) convened an expert consultation on colorectal cancer screening. The objectives of the meeting were to: Expert Consultation on Colorectal Cancer Screening in Latin America and the Caribbean 6  present available knowledge and evidence on colorectal cancer screening methods;  discuss strategies, successful experiences and challenges in implementing high quality colorectal cancer screening programs in the countries of the Americas; and  exchange ideas and identify opportunities to create and/or strengthen colorectal cancer screening programs in the region, including feasible quality assurance and program performance standards. The meeting gathered 26 participants from 14 countries along with representatives from the World Health organization (WHO), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The participants represented the Ministries of Health and the National Cancer Institutes of the countries in the Americas.