Home > About ESSO > Mission, vision & strategy
Mission, vision and strategy
Established in 1981, the European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) is committed to advancing cancer surgery in Europe and beyond. Through education, research, and multidisciplinary care, we shape a future of surgery for the ultimate benefit of patients.
Education
Priority
Congress
Objectives
- Enhance Congress impact
- Extend congress reach and broaden target audience
- Increase value creation and value capture
- Nurture collaboration with industry and establish a different way of interacting
Priority
Training and certification
Objectives
- Offer a comprehensive training in surgical oncology
- Provide a certification in surgical oncology
- Create value from fellowship programme
Priority
Blended learning
Objectives
- Enhance Congress impact
- Extend congress reach and broaden target audience
- Increase value creation and value capture
- Nurture collaboration with industry and establish a different way of interacting
Harmonization
Priority
Recognition of surgical oncology
Objectives
- Raise awareness of the role and importance of Surgical Oncology through relevant advocacy actions and material
Priority
Guidelines
Objectives
- Become relevant, timely and prominent on emerging topic issues
- Participate in mutidisciplinary guidelines
- Raise the society’s profile/reputation and become a reference for guidelines’ surgical components
Priority
Diversity
Objectives
- Enhance diversity, equity and inclusion and empower minorities
partnership & advocacy
Priority
patients
Objectives
- Intensify communication and strenghten partnership with patients’ advocacy groups
- Emphasize shared decision-making
Priority
Medical organisations / Young representatives
Objectives
- Strengthen links with National Societies and EYSAC national representatives
- Foster partnerships with discipline-based-societies
- Promote ESSO core curriculum
Priority
Policymakers
Objectives
- Raise awareness among policymakers about the key role of surgical oncology
- Engage with European Cancer Organisation activities
- Provide evidence-based advocacy
Priority
Healthcare industry
Objectives
- Increase strategic partnership with those involved in cancer care
- Work together on harmonization of cancer surgical care
Our commitment
Community building
We encompass a community of over 4,000 members (individuals and affiliated)
Quality assurance
ESSO supports quality assurance projects aimed at improving cancer care for all patients across Europe.
Education & training
ESSO offers courses and webinars for junior and senior surgeons, ensuring continuous learning and development.
Leading publication
Stay at the forefront of surgical oncology research with our monthly Scientific Journal, EJSO (European Journal of Surgical Oncology).
Collaboration
We strive a comprehensive approach to cancer care with other societies within the European Cancer Organisation (ECO), and we collaborate with the European Board of Surgery for examinations in surgical oncology and breast cancer surgery.
Congress excellence
We organize the largest surgical oncology congress in Europe, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among professionals.
Advocacy
ESSO is dedicated to promoting the value of surgical oncology in cancer care. We advocate at the EU level for the recognition of surgical oncology as a specialty.
Global outreach
We offer specific opportunities for cancer surgeons from developing countries to attend the ESSO Congress, ensuring a global perspective in our endeavors.
Become a member!
Join a community of 4,000+ surgical oncologists where cancer surgery isn't just a profession, but a passion.