CALL FOR ABSTRACTS 
Deadline : July 4, 2025

Meeting overview

Join us in Saint Lucia for a pivotal scientific gathering dedicated to advancing cancer research and care in geographically isolated populations. This biennial conference brings together scientists, clinicians, and practitioners in oncology, with a special focus on small island developing states (SIDS). SIDS are simultaneously at the intersection of geographic isolation and low resources, two important determinants of cancer disparities around the world. Over three days, delegates will explore innovative solutions, share pioneering research, and foster collaborations that address the unique challenges of cancer control in geographically isolated populations.

Conference theme

In many SIDS and other geographically isolated regions, medical travel is a necessary strategy for accessing specialized cancer care, including diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up. For our inaugural conference we have chosen the theme “Medical travel for cancer care: navigating access, quality, and equity”. This that is indeed a common theme among geographically isolated populations regarding cancer care. This theme explores the diverse aspects of patient mobility, from individual experiences to systemic health policy implications.

Scientific Scope

We invite abstract submissions for oral presentations and poster sessions that align with the scientific scope of the conference. This is an opportunity to showcase research that can drive impactful change in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship in regions with distinct health system constraints. An award will be presented for the best conference abstract

We also welcome submissions from researchers working on other chronic conditions that offer insights applicable to cancer in geographically isolated populations.

The conference welcomes abstracts in the following research areas:

• Cancer control & oncology: Screening, early detection, prevention, treatment, survivorship strategies, and community-based interventions
• Geographically isolated populations: Including residents of small island developing states (SIDS), where healthcare infrastructure may be limited, as well as small island territories forming part of larger mainland countries, remote communities within larger or developed countries, such as rural, Indigenous populations or areas with significant barriers to specialist care.
• Medical travel & access to care: Cross-border treatment and patient mobility. Epidemiological studies looking at how medical travel affects survival, treatment adherence, and long-term follow-up, particularly in comparison to patients receiving care locally. Also, studies addressing the challenges of coordinating care between home-country providers and overseas treatment centres, including medical record sharing, follow-up care, and patient reintegration into local health services.
• Health systems & policy: Cancer service delivery and resource allocation. Examining the role of governments, insurers, and regional agreements in facilitating or restricting medical travel, and their impact on equitable access to cancer care.
• Social determinants of health:  Inequities, economic and environmental impacts on cancer outcomes. Assessing the financial, emotional, and logistical impact on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems, including the cost-effectiveness of outbound care
• Models for multidisciplinary & collaborative research: Regional and global partnerships in oncology to enhance cancer control initiatives (e.g. regional cancer prevention coalitions)
• Capacity building: Strategies to strengthen local research and clinical capacity through collaboration and academic partnerships. This includes aligning training, resources, and infrastructure to support cancer research and care
• Digital Health and technology: Telemedicine, Artificial intelligence and technological advances in cancer care that that may improve access to specialized oncology care without requiring patient relocation.
• Etiological and biomarker studies: Investigating cancer risk factors in geographically isolated or racial minorities
• Innovative methods:  To improve the study of health problems in geographically isolated and resource-constrained populations. Including research on administrative databases, multi-level and geo-spatial analyses, statistical and epidemiological modelling.

We look forward to your contributions and to fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas that will shape the future of cancer research and care in small island developing states and beyond.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

We invite researchers and practitioners to submit abstracts for consideration as either oral presentations or posters. Abstracts must be written in English and should not exceed 300 words (excluding title, authors, and affiliations). Oral presentations may be delivered in either English or French; further instructions for oral presentations will be provided upon acceptance.

Mandatory Abstract Structure:

• Title: Clearly indicate the study’s focus. Must be concise and informative, limited to 120 characters.
• Authors & Affiliations: List all contributing authors with their full names, followed by their institutional affiliations. The presenting author should be underlined. Include the email address of the presenting author
• Objectives: Briefly describe the context and significance of the study and state the research question or purpose.
• Methods: Describe the study design, data sources, and analytical approach.
• Results: Present key findings (preliminary data is acceptable).
• Conclusion: Highlight the study’s implications for cancer research, policy, or practice.
  
  Include 3-4 keywords relevant to the submitted work

The Scientific Committee reserves the right to assign the final format (oral or poster) based on the program structure.

Important dates:

Best Abstract Award

Submissions will be evaluated for the following criteria. Winners will be announced during the conference.

• Scientific Merit: Research rigor, validity, and contribution to knowledge.
• Relevance & Impact: Significance for cancer in isolated or resource-limited settings.
• Communication: Clarity, organization, and adherence to guidelines.
• Presentation: Effectiveness of delivery (oral) or design and readability (poster).

CREATE YOUR SUBMITTER ACCOUNT TO SHARE YOUR ABSTRACT