“An essential tool for people who want to play a part in fighting cancer”

Five years after the universally acclaimed publication of the first guide, Lombard Odier is publishing the second edition of the Donor’s Guide to Cancer in partnership with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Designed to ensure that donors, philanthropists and the general public can make informed choices in response to this global challenge.

The new edition of “A Donor’s Guide to Cancer”, drafted and published in partnership with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), was today unveiled in Geneva by Lombard Odier and UICC. First published in 2013, the Guide has become an invaluable resource for everyone wanting to help fight the second-biggest cause of death worldwide – large and small donors alike.

“Lombard Odier and UICC have joined forces to inform and encourage donors to help in the fight against cancer in all its forms”, explains Denis Pittet, Managing Partner of the Group and Chairman of Fondation Philanthropia. This Guide provides the public with up-to-date information, focusing particularly on how to better prevent and treat the disease around the world. We must not forget that two-thirds of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.”

Over the past ten years, Philanthropia, the umbrella foundation used by the bank’s clients, has received donations of over CHF 30 million for cancer research, prevention and improved quality of care for patients.

“We are fully aware that this cause is universal and affects many of our clients directly and indirectly. Our message is that this project is suitable for all donors, regardless of their wealth, and that they should feel encouraged to contribute to this collective effort,” explains Luc Giraud-Guigues, Secretary General of Fondation Philanthropia.

Drawing on UICC’s expertise and international network, the guide contains relevant examples of campaigns, projects, and new ways of diagnosing and treating cancer, reflecting the wide range of approaches to fighting the disease, as well as many opportunities for philanthropists or grant-making foundations to get involved.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Fondation Philanthropia on this Donor’s Guide. As a catalyst in the global fight against cancer, we witness the wonderful work of our 1,100-plus member organisations around the world on a daily basis. The challenges ahead are considerable, and we hope that this Guide will ensure that donors feel better informed about the different ways they can support cancer projects”, says Dr Cary Adams, CEO of UICC.

The Donor’s Guide provides basic information about cancer, including its impact on patients and the nature of the disease. It is available in three languages (French, English and German) and can be downloaded free of charge from the Lombard Odier and UICC websites. The Guide is divided into three parts: how to meet the immediate needs of people living with cancer; building capacity to fight the disease; and the need to get to the root of the problem.

Looking at these issues provides useful insights into patients’ experiences and enables to better understand recent advances and the areas that still need a lot of support. The Guide compiles examples of practical and innovative initiatives from around the world to illustrate the progress that has been made and to share new opportunities with donors, for example an online platform that connects people suffering from prostate cancer in Australia.

The Donor’s Guide can be downloaded here.