The Burden of Cancer - "How Can it be Reduced" Slovenian Presidency European Cancer Conference organised by the Ministry of Health of Slovenia at the newly built Congress Centre Brdo.

europacolon was very privileged to be invited to attend this invitation only conference in Slovenia. Set in the most beautiful surroundings the new Congress Centre is most impressive. This high-level event brought together a very important mix of people from EU policymakers, Member State representatives, Representatives of international organisations to patient organisations.. The key issues addressed were an integrated approach to address prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care and research. In particular the speakers highlighted the major cancer inequalities across the EU and the need for Cancer Plans and better cancer registration. europacolon's founder Jola Gore-Booth attended the conference and the Cancer Screening Workshop that addressed the issue of implementation of Proven Strategies. Julietta Patnik the Director of the UK NHS Cancer Screening Programmes was very eloquent in presenting the key points for establishing organised screening. Professor Ahti Antilla from the Finnish Cancer Registry highlighted the need for piloting activities. Luzia Travado - Director of the International Psycho-Oncology Society of Portugal gave a most inspiring presentation on Living with the Cancer - the Psychosocial Aspects of Cancer Care. This is an issue that is often sadly neglected in patient care. Dr Marija Seljak, Director General of Public Health at the Slovenian Ministry of Health stated that reducing the cancer burden relies on a holistic approach covering all aspects of cancer control. The aim of the cancer conference was to assess past efforts and draw up recommendations for the future with regard to improved cancer control in Europe