2nd europacolon Pan European Affiliates Meeting, 25th - 26th June 2008
World Congress of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Barcelona, Spain

europacolon celebrated the Organisation's 2nd Affiliates/Associates Meeting held at the World Congress of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Barcelona in June of this year. The meeting was hugely successful offering a packed agenda which stimulated much discussion and debate. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old and new friends and discuss individual group challenges and successes.

Jola Gore-Booth, Founder/Director of europacolon opened the Meeting by welcoming and thanking the Affiliates/Associates for their participation and she then went on to present an update of the achievements and future vision of europacolon.

Progress updates were given by all Affiliates and Associate Groups which provided a valuable insight into the astonishing advancements all the Groups have made to date. Please see below.

Key note speaker Dr Panos Kanavos presented a synopsis of the London School of Economics recent European Colorectal Cancer Survey - "Challenges and Opportunities for the Future." The Survey results highlighted the continued lack of access to colorectal cancer screening across Europe, the inadequate access to up to date treatments, the absence of Cancer Plans and Strategies for managing colorectal cancer in most countries.

The meeting was also attended by Professor Eric Van Cutsem, Co Chair of the World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer and Medical Director of europacolon. Professor Van Cutsem warmly welcomed all the attendees acknowledging the huge efforts and successes made by all Affiliate/Associate Groups.

Over the two and a half day event workshops were provided on Communication Skills, Awareness Campaigning, Business Planning, Fundraising and many other key areas of interest for the Groups.

The Meeting ended with a firm commitment from all to the 3rd attend the 3rd europacolon Pan European Affiliates/Associates Meeting in 2009 in Slovakia.