cancer conference cancelled due to tobacco firm ties

The Economist Impact's cancer conference, scheduled for a two-day event at the Marriott Hotel Grand Palace, was cancelled following significant backlash over its connections to tobacco companies, specifically Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International. The Union for International Cancer Control, a major global organization dedicated to cancer action, withdrew its support due to these ties, emphasizing its commitment to public health and the reduction of cancer's global burden. Prominent figures in the cancer community expressed their shock upon learning of the event's sponsorship by tobacco firms. Mark Lawler, a professor at Queen's University Belfast, highlighted the unexpected nature of the support from two major cigarette companies. Dr. Wendy Yared from the Association of European Cancer Leagues also voiced her concerns, urging the organizers to reconsider their partnerships with an industry responsible for a significant percentage of cancer deaths worldwide. In response to the growing concerns from the cancer community, lan Hemming, managing director of Economist Impact events, announced the cancellation of the conference. He acknowledged the feedback regarding the sponsorship from tobacco companies and reiterated the organization's policy against accepting such sponsorships for healthcare-related events. The cancellation reflects a broader sentiment within the public health community regarding the ethical implications of collaborating with industries that produce harmful products. Previous editions of the event had featured reputable sponsors from the healthcare sector, contrasting sharply with the recent involvement of tobacco companies, which has led to a reevaluation of partnerships in future events.