Privacy Policy

The International Stomach Cancer Patient Advocacy, Research and Knowledge Alliance, also known as I-SPARK Alliance, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy statement describes the practices employed by the I-SPARK Alliance relating to personal information that identifies you (“personal information“). Our website address is: https://stomachcanceralliance.com.

Personal information we collect

The I-SPARK Alliance is committed to identifying the purposes for which Personal Information is collected at or before the time the information is collected, and to documenting the purposes for which Personal Information is collected. We receive and store certain types of information whenever you interact with our website or websites. The I-SPARK Alliance automatically receives and records information on our server logs from your browser, including your IP address, cookie information, and the page you requested.​ If you choose to complete the contact form, we collect your name, email, the organization you work for, and any additional message you wish to disclose.

Generally, our website automatically collects usage information, such as the numbers and frequency of visitors to our site and its components. The I-SPARK Alliance only uses this data in aggregate form, that is, as a statistical measure, and not in a manner that would identify you personally. This type of aggregate data enables us to figure out how often customers use parts of the website or websites so that we can make the website appealing to as many customers as possible and improve those websites. As part of this use of information, we may provide aggregate information to our partners about how our customers, collectively, use our site. We share this type of statistical data so that our partners also understand how often people use their websites and our website, so that they, too, may provide you with an optimal online experience. Again, the I-SPARK Alliance never discloses aggregate information to a partner in a manner that would identify you personally.

In which ways we collect personal information

We collect the information outlined above from various sources:

• When you complete the Contact Form on the website
• When you email or write to us
• When you provide us with information orally
• When you respond to our email notices
• When you participate in one of our surveys

Why we collect personal information

• To respond to questions, requests, or messages
• To communicate with individuals or organizations interested in the I-SPARK Alliance
• To support stakeholder engagement and outreach
• To better understand the organizations represented by individuals who choose to contact us or complete a survey
• To support internal project planning, research, public education, and advocacy related to stomach cancer patient support
• To provide updates or information about I-SPARK activities

How long we keep personal data

The I-SPARK Alliance will only keep personal data for the time that is strictly necessary to achieve the purpose(s) for which it was collected, e.g. for the duration of a contractual relationship or of a project, and for a period thereafter if so required by applicable law or if in the primary interests of the data subjects.

How we secure your data

The I-SPARK Alliance uses reasonable safeguards to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, modification, loss, or theft.

These safeguards may include:

• Password-protected accounts
• Restricted access to submitted responses
• Secure website and form management practices
• Limiting access to authorized project team members only

Cookies

This website may use cookies or similar technologies to support basic website functionality and understand general website usage.

Cookies are small files stored on your device that help websites recognize your browser and understand how visitors interact with the site. The I-SPARK Alliance does not use cookies to personally identify visitors. Information collected through cookies or analytics tools is generally used in aggregate form to improve website performance, accessibility, and user experience.

You may be able to disable cookies through your browser settings, although some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled. For more information, please visit our Cookie Policy page.

Who we share your data with

The I-SPARK Alliance does not sell, rent, or trade personal information. Personal information may be accessed by authorized members of the I-SPARK project team only where necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Statement.

We may also use third-party service providers, such as website hosting platforms, form tools, survey tools, or email services, to support website operations and communication. These providers may process or store information on our behalf. We take reasonable steps to use service providers that support appropriate privacy and security practices.

We may disclose personal information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or a lawful request by a public authority.

Consent

By voluntarily submitting a form, survey, or message through this website, you consent to the I-SPARK Alliance collecting and using the information you provide for the purposes described in this Privacy Statement.

You may choose not to provide personal information. You may also contact us to withdraw your consent to future use of your personal information.

Links from our site

Our website may contain links to other websites. Please note that we have no control of websites outside our domain. If you provide information to a website to which we link, we are not responsible for its protection and privacy, so ensure that you read the privacy polices of any other websites fully.​

Changes to this privacy policy

The I-SPARK Alliance may update this Privacy Statement from time to time to reflect changes in our website, project activities, legal requirements, or privacy practices.