The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) is proud to announce that it is collaborating closely with the Portuguese EU Presidency on a key European meeting on health care issues, where cancer will be an important part of the agenda.

The Round Table on Health Strategies in the European Union (Lisbon, 12-13 July 2007) is one of the most important initiatives launched by the EU Portuguese Presidency within the context of the EU strategy on health policy, focusing on the topic of health and migration. ESMO has been invited by Dr. Joaquim Gouveia, National Coordinator of Oncological Diseases in Portugal, to be a key partner in this meeting for aspects related to cancer.

Under the broad theme of creating a European Health Strategy, this Round Table will address crucial issues in terms of the EU health agenda, such as facing specific health problems, health determinants, health services and patient mobility.

The selection of such topics reflects the importance politicians place on assuring best quality healthcare, a service that touches the lives of every single EU citizen, as well as newcomers, said Pascale Blaes, Director of the ESMO Political Office in Brussels.

The Round Table session on cancer, on Thursday afternoon, 12 July, will be chaired by Dr. Joaquim Gouveia, with prominent participation of Dr. Marija Seljak, Slovenian Public Health Director, and Mr. Alojz Peterle, member of the MAC (Members of the European Parliament Against Cancer). The meeting will open with a welcome address by Prof. Hakan Mellstedt, ESMO President. The impact of this meeting will influence the future oncology healthcare strategy throughout the European Union, he said.

Cancer is one of the major causes of disease, morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although great scientific progress has been achieved in oncology and continues to be achieved, cancer remains a huge public health challenge and a tremendous threat.

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Contact: Vanessa Pavinato
media@esmo.org
European Society for Medical Oncology
5-Jul-2007