During the training, experts from IAEA, MD Anderson, PAHO and C/Can gave lectures on breast anatomy, breast cancer epidemiology, risk factors, pathologies, guidelines clinics and image acquisition protocols for various clinical scenarios – with interactive and convenient image acquisition. biopsy simulation and practice sessions. Highlighting the importance of early detection, risk management, safety and image quality, they highlighted how a multidisciplinary approach is essential in cancer treatment.

Instructors delivered joint and parallel programs tailored to the specific training needs of two diagnostic imaging professional groups: technologists (radiographers and mammographers) and physicians (i.e. radiologists and those also involved in the interpretation of images of the breast, such as gynecologists, oncologists and surgeons). – from Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago, strengthening cancer screening and diagnosis in the Caribbean region 3.8 million women.

In addition to providing financial support, the IAEA purchased 52 breast mannequins for participants to practice on. For their part, MD Anderson and PAHO are providing participants with ongoing distance learning through their Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) telementoring partnership.

The joint course, developed through collaboration between the IAEA and MD Anderson, strengthened regional capacities to provide better support in the fight against breast cancer. MD Anderson is the IAEA’s newest Collaborating Center in cancer care and the first in North America.

“This regional course – the first joint training under the IAEA’s recently expanded cooperation with MD Anderson – highlights the importance of collaboration to address cancer challenges across the world,” said May Abdel- Wahab, director of the IAEA Human Health Division. “By working hand-in-hand with our partners to address specific needs, we can strengthen the cancer care capacities of IAEA Member States, enabling equitable care for all.” »