Recognition of Surgical Oncology
Beating cancer is high on the EU’s agenda. Unless we take decisive action now, cancer cases are set to increase by 24% by 2035, making it the leading cause of death in the EU. The pivotal role surgical oncology plays in cancer treatment is undeniable.
Key facts & figures
Surgical resection is the main therapy that can cure solid cancer. It is well acknowledged that the best chance of cure for any solid tumour is early diagnosis and high-quality surgical removal. In addition, surgery is the most cost-effective treatment for the majority of non-metastasised solid tumours.
Around 80% of cancer patients will require surgical intervention during the course of their disease. It is estimated that by 2030, annually 45 million surgical procedures will be needed worldwide. However, only less than 25% of patients with cancer worldwide today actually get safe, affordable, or timely surgery. Cancers amenable to surgery are estimated to cause 2.7 million years of life lost to disability worldwide. Yet, surgical oncology is not recognised as a specialty in the majority of member states in Europe.
ESSO sees its responsibility to ensure all cancer patients in Europe get quality surgery. This cannot be done without the proper education of surgeons specialising in cancer treatment and a multi-disciplinary approach where surgical oncologists take the leading role.
To this end, ESSO strives to facilitate the recognition of surgical oncology across Europe and has spared no effort in communicating the need for such specialisation at the EU level.
Did you know ?
The necessity of recognition of surgical oncology and the need for harmonised training in surgical oncology as well as other ESSO’s proposed amendments are included in the final BECA report “Strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer” (under Session IIIa. Equal access to cancer care: towards best quality care, paragraph 66) which is adopted by the European Parliament.
ESSO Statement on the implementation of EBCP
In this statement, ESSO expresses its commitment to offering specialist advice and multi-faceted support is expressed in concrete ways, demonstrating how surgical oncology experts can actively contribute to the success of Europe’s Beating Cancer.
