REACCT-CAN participated in the 6th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Hematology and Oncology (ESHO), held on 12–13 June 2026 at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum under the theme, “From Diagnosis to Survivorship: Technological Pathways to Improved Cancer Prognosis.”

The team showcased ongoing work from the projects and contributed to the scientific program through Dr. Adamu Addissie's presentation on Academic and Research Partnerships for Cancer Care in Ethiopia.

The event provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration, further strengthening REACCT-CAN's commitment to advancing cancer research and care in Ethiopia.

The 60th Anniversary Conference of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) was held in Lyon, France, from May 19–21, 2026. The conference provided a platform for researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals to discuss emerging priorities and advances in cancer research and control.

Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including cancer epidemiology, occupational and nutritional risk factors, screening and early detection, epigenetics, planetary health, and the application of artificial intelligence in cancer care. Discussions highlighted that while the global cancer burden continues to rise, at least 40% of cancers are preventable, underscoring the importance of prevention-focused research and policies.

Participants also emphasized the need to better represent cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), promote locally adapted innovations, and strengthen engagement with patients, communities, and civil society to ensure research translates into meaningful and sustainable impact.

The conference offered valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration toward advancing equitable cancer prevention, care, and research worldwide.

The Science Communication Workshop was organized by the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA) and brought together communication leads from different DELTAS Africa consortia. The workshop focused on strengthening science communication practices across Africa through presentations, discussions, poster sessions, and collaborative activities aimed at enhancing the visibility and impact of African-led research.

The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, peer learning, and collaboration, strengthening networks among participants and supporting the advancement of effective science communication across DELTAS Africa programs.

📅 May 11–21, 2026
The NORA/REACCT-CAN Summer School brought together over 80 researchers from Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Germany for an intensive program focused on advancing cancer research and healthcare.

The summer school provided a collaborative platform for scientific exchange and capacity building across key areas including epidemiology, palliative care, breast cancer early detection, cervical cancer screening and prevention, and health system sustainability. Participants also engaged in discussions on delivering effective cancer care in resource-limited settings, with a focus on innovation, resilience, and shared global learning.

The program featured country updates, research presentations by PhD and postdoctoral fellows, manuscript development sessions, and expert panel discussions, fostering meaningful exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The summer school was an inspiring reminder of the power of international collaboration in advancing cancer research, healthcare innovation, and capacity building across regions.

Healing Together: Empowering Female Cancer Patients and Caregivers Through Responsive Dialogues to Address Mental Health Burden 

From March 3-5, the REACCT-CAN project conducted a peer mentor training at AAU Sefereselam Campus to prepare mentors to facilitate community dialogues on mental health among female cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers. 
The training strengthened mentors’ capacity to lead supportive conversations addressing the psychosocial challenges associated with cancer. Key topics included effective communication, common mental health conditions, self-care for peer mentors, and an overview of breast and cervical cancer. The sessions were led by Dr. Eyerusalem Solomon (Psychiatrist) and Dr. Edom Seife (Oncologist).

Following the training, Sisterhood Circles organized a series of community dialogue sessions starting March 6 at Churchill Health Center, bringing cancer survivors together to share experiences, discuss mental health challenges, and provide mutual peer support in a safe and compassionate environment. 

 Manuscript Writing Workshop II: Strengthening Research Output

The second round of the Manuscript Writing Workshop has been completed, culminating in a highly productive week dedicated to developing manuscripts ready for publication. The workshop provided a focused and supportive environment that enabled participants to make substantial progress on their research outputs.
The program combined hands-on writing sessions, structured goal-setting, and close mentorship for both Master’s and PhD students. Key areas of focus included scientific writing, manuscript structure, publication ethics, and qualitative research reporting. Throughout the week, participants presented sections of their manuscripts and received intensive, constructive feedback, ensuring they left with strengthened drafts and clear, actionable guidance for journal submission.
This workshop reaffirmed a strong commitment to building research and publication capacity among researchers through structured mentorship and practical support.

The NORA/REACCT-CAN Summer School was successfully held in Halle and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, from May 11–21, 2026, bringing together more than 80 researchers from Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Germany.
The summer school provided a vibrant platform for scientific exchange, collaboration, and learning on key areas of cancer research and healthcare, particularly within the African context, including epidemiology, palliative care, breast cancer early detection, screening for cervical cancer prevention, and sustainability in healthcare.
As many African countries continue to face challenges such as limited healthcare resources alongside rising cancer burdens, discussions throughout the summer school explored how effective cancer care can be delivered under these conditions and what the global community can learn from these settings about efficiency, innovation, and resilience.
Through engaging discussions and collaborative sessions, participants explored practical solutions, shared experiences, and reflected on lessons learned from different country contexts.
The program featured:
 📌 Country updates, lessons learned, and success stories
 📌 PhD and post-doctoral fellows’ presentations of their research work
 📌 Manuscript planning and scientific writing sessions 
 📌 Panel discussions and collaborative exchange among experts and researchers.
The summer school was an inspiring reminder of the power of international collaboration in advancing cancer research, healthcare innovation, and capacity building across regions.
 

NORA Summer School 2025 - Abuja, Nigeria
The Summer School took place in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 8–15, 2025, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthening cancer prevention & control systems across Africa by generating evidence that improves cancer outcomes for women in Sub-Saharan Africa. This multinational, multi-site summer school provided PhD candidates with a valuable opportunity to deepen their scientific expertise and broaden their global research networks. The program brought together leading experts and trainees from diverse disciplines, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. By engaging with international peers and mentors, participants gained fresh perspectives, built lasting partnerships, and strengthened their capacity to contribute to globally relevant oncology research.