The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is embarking on a new collaboration with the Caribbean Association for Oncology & Hematology (CAOH) to develop a library of NCCN Harmonized Guidelines™ for the Caribbean. The archipelago that extends from the Bahamas in the north to Trinidad and Tobago ranks among the highest regions in the world for cancer prevalence. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the Caribbean, and the rate of breast cancer deaths is currently twice that in the United States.
NCCN panel members participated in a working session at the CAOH Annual Meeting in early May with local oncologists to adapt existing NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) and NCCN Framework for Resource Stratification of NCCN Guidelines (NCCN Framework™) to better reflect the diverse needs and resources throughout the Caribbean.
The NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for the Caribbean will include guidelines for breast cancer, cervical cancer, multiple myeloma, non–small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, rectal cancer, colon cancer, and colon cancer screening. These guidelines will be available free of charge for noncommercial use via NCCN.org or via the Virtual Library of NCCN Guidelines mobile app for smartphones and tablets.■
