The World Association for Integrative Oncology (WAIO) was initiated in Tianjin on November 17, Leading experts from around the globe have come together to witness the historic milestone.
The WAIO was initiated by China Anti-Cancer Association, with the mission to integrate the most cutting-edge theories in various fields of cancer care, to unite with medical professionals from all over the world to actively carry out international academic exchanges and cooperation, and promote the global spread of the concept of integrated oncology medicine.
The event was chaired by Professor Wei Lu and Professor Ying Wang, Vice Presidents of China Anti-Cancer Association (CACA).
Professor Daiming Fan, President of the China Anti-Cancer Association, extended a warm welcome to experts from various countries coming from afar,andexpressed heartfelt gratitude for their strong support of the work of CACA. He emphasized that cancer cares nothing about borders. “Facing the challenge of cancer, collaboration is the only answer to advancing oncology and combating cancer,” Professor Fan said.
Professor Fan pointed out that while the new therapies and technologies for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors are constantly upgrading, the pathogenesis of tumors is complex, varied and full of heterogeneity. The progress in oncology, he noted, depends on a transformation in medical models.
Given this circumstance, President Fan put forward that the oncotherapy should also adhere to the concept of "Holistic Medicine", focusing on the "Holistic Person", "Holistic Disciplines", and "Holistic Informatization". He proposed the initiative of establishing the World Association for Integrative Oncology(WAIO), calling on scientists, oncologist, medical students, and the public to face the cancer challenge in the spirit of solidarity by integrating theories in various fields and disciplines and clinical experience. WAIO encourage joint international efforts to exchange ideas and bring more academic achievements to medical workers, and promote the constant development of holistic integrative oncology.
The initiative to establish WAIO received strong support and active participation from prominent experts and scholars in the field of oncology from the, Argentina, Brazil, China, Canadian, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Switzerland, United States and so on.
At the event, President Daiming Fan briefly introduced the constitution of WAIO. As a non-profit and non-government international association, WAIO aims to innovate a new system of holistic integrative oncology by following the concept of “Holistic Medicine”, so as to develop oncology. The organization of WAIO will include Board Directors, President, President-elect and Secretary General elected at the General Assembly, serving a two-year term and elected by the biennial General Assembly of Members. The Headquarter of WAIO will be based in Tianjin, China.
Academician Mauricio M. Costa, National Academy of Medicine, delivered a speech as a representive of initiators. He expressed strong support for President Fan's initiative, stating that the proposal of integrative oncology, a holistic approach that combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies, offers a hope in our fight against cancer. By fostering a synergy between different modalities, patients can receive comprehensive treatment covering emotional, physiological, and social aspects. Academician Costa hopes that the World Association for Integrative Oncology stands as a symbol of our collective commitment to making a profound impact on the lives of individuals facing cancer worldwide..
Chinese Experts have also pledged active participation and support for the WAIO's establishment, dedicated to advance progress through global collaboration in cancer treatment, so as to bring more hope and well-being to global cancer patients.
WAIO is poised to become a pivotal player in the global effort to combat cancer. With its comprehensive and collaborative approach, the organization will offer new hope for advancements in cancer care, a broader platform for global oncologists, and a brighter future for patients and their families.