Many patients in developing countries are diagnosed with advanced cancer only after they fail to respond to treatment. The goal of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center in Supportive Cancer Care is to develop a research and professional education program in supportive cancer care for countries in all stages of development, primarily in Latin America and Asia. The Center is housed in the Department of Symptom Research, under the direction of Dr. Charles Cleeland. The Center focuses on the broad spectrum of supportive cancer care, including interventions for patients who experience adverse effects caused by cancer treatment, and those with advanced disease. We want to bring the latest in evidence-based knowledge of supportive care to healthcare providers in these countries, as well as developing research and demonstration projects with cooperating medical centers. The Center works closely with the Pan American Health Organization Office of Non-Communicable Diseases, and the World Health Organization Programme on Cancer Control.

The Center's mission includes:

• Designing and implementing international research programs in symptom relief and supportive care for cancer patients
• Providing a model for international diffusion of the best evidence-based supportive care practice in countries requesting assistance
• Evaluating and refining national and international training and treatment modalities in supportive care
• Providing technical support for the WHO Program on Cancer Control and the WHO Regional Offices, particularly with regard to supportive care and symptom management