A Message from our CEO
Welcome to the Institute of Cancer and Crisis (ICC), where we are dedicated to making a significant contribution to the fight against cancer and addressing the unique challenges faced by patients during times of crisis. The Institute of Cancer and Crisis is an independent not-for-profit organization established with the support of the City of Smile Charitable Foundation in 2021 in Yerevan, Armenia.
At ICC, our mission is clear: every cancer patient should receive appropriate care, regardless of any crisis they may face. We firmly believe that no one should be denied access to quality care due to challenging circumstances. Through our collaborative efforts, we strive to raise awareness about the barriers to cancer prevention, care, and diagnosis in crisis-affected settings.
Our dedicated team at ICC includes esteemed professionals from various fields, such as oncology, public health, social and behavioral sciences, and cancer policy. Together, we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, enabling us to tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by cancer patients and advocate for their needs.
Through our projects, research efforts, and expert interviews, we seek to reveal the effects of crises on cancer patients and examine strategies to alleviate these impacts. By sharing experiences, building collaborative relationships with cancer centers and professionals, and establishing common strategies, we work towards ensuring adequate cancer care during and after times of crisis.
Together, let us create a vibrant community dedicated to improving cancer care and making a lasting impact. Join us in our mission to ensure that every cancer patient receives the care they deserve, regardless of the crises they face.
Thank you for being a part of this meaningful journey.
Warm regards,
Jemma Arakelyan
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EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Jemma ArakelyanMD, PhD (c)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Gevorg Tamamyan
MD, MSc, PhD, DSc
Chairman and Professor of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology
Yerevan State Medical University
CEO of the Immune Oncology Research Institute
President of SIOP Asia Continental Branch
President of POEM Group
Editor-in-chief of OncoDaily
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Mark Lawler
ICC Research Lead
Associate Pro-vice-chancellor and Professor of Digital Health
Chair in Translational Cancer Genomics
Queen's University Belfast
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Richard Sullivan
MD, PhD
Director of the New Kings Institute of Cancer Policy
Professor, Cancer Policy and Global Health
Kings College London
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Ralph J. DiClemente
PhD
Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences,
Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences,
Associate Dean of Public Health Innovation at New York University
Board of Advisors
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Wendy Yared DrPH
DrPH, MPH
Director of the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL)
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Emma Ghazaryan
MD, MPH
Program Officer/ Health System and Policy at WHO Country Office, Armenia
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Hera Artinian
MSc
Nurse Leader for Clinical Affairs at the American University of Beirut Medical Center
PUBLICATIONS
A manifesto on improving cancer care in conflict-impacted populations
The first Global Summit on War and Cancer took place on Dec 14–16, 2023, organised by the Institute of Cancer and Crisis and OncoDaily.1 It brought together people and organisations committed to addressing cancer in conflict-impacted areas,2 with renowned experts (health-care professionals, policy makers, and patient advocates) developing a key manifesto.
Cancer disparities in war-torn and post-war regions
In conflict-affected areas, people experience significant challenges in health-care delivery, and this situation is even more extreme for patients with cancer. Until now, research on access to cancer treatment and care as well as cancer disparities in war-torn and post-war regions has been limited. Therefore, we advocate coordinated, global action to address this issue and implement evidence-based solutions.
The humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh
We want to bring the attention of doctors to the humanitarian crisis happening in Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh
Barriers to access to cancer care for patients from the conflict-affected region of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic: A qualitative study
Access to essential health services is a basic human right, yet many cancer patients living in conflict-affected regions face multiple obstacles to service use.
Cancer and Crisis talks
Cancer and Crisis Talks, Prof. Paul Spiegel
Cancer and Crisis Talks, Dr. Nazik Hammad
Cancer and Crisis Talks, Dr. Layth Mula-Hussain
Cancer and Crisis Talks, Dr. Nataliia Verovkina
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Jemma Arakelyan
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Richard Sullivan
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Julie Gralow
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Alexandra Muller
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Nazik Hammad
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Zeena Salman
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Mulugeta Yimer
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Enrique Soto
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Khaled Ghanem
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Arman Kacharian
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Tezer Kutluk
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Mark Lawler
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Christos Tsagkaris
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Andreas Charalambous
Global Summit on War and Cancer 2023: Henrik Grigoryan
Cancer Care Among Ukranian Refugees
The Impact of COVID-19 and War on Cancer Foundations
The Impact of Crisis on Cancer Screening and Prevention
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Cancer prevalence is rising in conflict-affected states, with low- and middle-income countries facing the greatest challenges in ensuring access to care. The Institute of Cancer and Crisis collaborates globally to explore the impact of crises on cancer patients and improve accessibility to timely and effective treatment.
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The Influence of Financial Toxicity on the Mental Health of Cancer Patients: Insights from a Multicentre Study in Armenia, Egypt, Iraq and Georgia
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Quality of life of cancer patients with comorbidities – a mixed- methods study from Armenia
Our team
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Alina Hovhannisyan
MD, MPH
ICC Research assistant and project coordinator
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Samah Alfadul Mutasim
ICC project coordinator
A member of Ahfad University for Women, Sudan
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Mariam Khachatryan
MD
Clinical Resident at Yerevan State Medical University, Department of Oncology
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Celine Philip
BA
BA Community and Global Public Health - Univercity of Michigan Ann Arbor