A call for Action by The Mediterranean Taskforce for Cancer Control (MTCC) (www.mtcc-prevention.net)
Increasing the effectiveness of primary and secondary prevention. The Potential role of Military Medical Forces.
Prevention and Early Diagnosis are established priority strategies in cancer control. Therefore, implementation and dissemination of policies aimed at translating these anticipatory care strategies into practice is critical in contrasting the foreseen increasing global cancer burden, changing epidemiology, the diminished role of primary care, costs, and disparities (Theme 2 and 3 World Cancer Congress: Muscat, Oman, Oct 2020)
In peacetime, Military General/Internal medicine and Specialists are engaged in research, development, and care, thus they represent valuable supportive partners of their civilian counterparts in cancer control, primarily in diminishing the incidence of advanced disease, “The key challenge in cancer medicine”
In consideration that Military Medicine
- is caring for active and retired personnel and their family members in significant number with «no disparities»
- has a closer logistic and referral (Military Hospitals) between General Medicine and Specialists which is advantageous in limiting the occurrence of «advanced disease»
- can resort to Opportunistic screenings during the mandatory routine check-up’s
- features robust command/control hierarchies which can enforce «observance of guidelines»
- dealing with risk management can manage Environmental /Occupational relevant risks more efficiently
- is relatively shielded by changes in health care “economic restrictions”
MTCC strongly advocates that Military Medicine merges its defense and security missions with those of civil society at the national and global levels by enforcing the above activities which minimally conflict with the issue of “dual loyalty”.