[Washington, DC - February 26, 2011] - Health Volunteers Overseas is pleased to announce that the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists has joined as a sponsor.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.  The WHO reports that in 2005, cancer accounted for 7.6 million of all deaths with more than 70% of these cancer deaths occurring in the developing world.  WHO projects 9 million people will be dying from cancer in 2015.  These startling statistics show the great need for oncology training in the developing world.

With more than 1300 members, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) is the premier medical specialty society for physicians trained in the comprehensive management of gynecologic cancers in women. Their purpose is to improve the care of women with gynecologic cancers by encouraging research and disseminating knowledge, raising the standards of practice in the prevention and treatment of gynecologic malignancies and collaborating with other organizations interested in women's health care, oncology and related fields.

"Increasingly, in global health care we are seeing the need for cancer care and education," said Nancy Kelly, HVO Executive Director. "Unfortunately, for many women around the world who have had little, if any, gynecological care, their presentation in hospitals is at a stage where problems have progressed to extremely serious conditions.  That is why I am so pleased that SGO has become an HVO sponsor.  Their input will contribute significantly to improved women's health."

A private, non-profit membership organization, HVO was founded in 1986 to improve global health through education.  HVO designs and implements clinical education programs in child health, primary care, trauma and rehabilitation, essential surgical care, oral health, blood disorders and cancers, infectious disease, nursing education, and wound care.  In more than 25 resource-poor nations, volunteers train, mentor, and provide critical professional support to health care providers who care for the neediest populations in the most difficult of circumstances.  For more information about Health Volunteers Overseas, visit the website.

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