European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO)

Founded in 1981, the European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) supports its members in advancing the science and practice of surgical oncology for the benefit of cancer patients. The Society aims to achieve this through a range of activities related to education, research, advocacy and leadership in multidisciplinary care. Today, ESSO has more than 4000 members in Europe and beyond, influencing the visibility of surgical oncology in Europe with its global network of surgical professionals and organizations.

ESSO develops standards of care for cancer patients through its core values, as well as its activities in the field of education, homogenisation of skills, quality healthcare and ultimately qualification. Its annual congress, the biggest congress in surgical oncology in Europe, offers an effective platform for surgeons to discuss the latest topics and future trends within the surgical oncology community.

ESSO supports continued professional development by facilitating the education of both young and experienced surgical oncologists through the organization of interactive courses, workshops, training programs on specific tumour types and surgical techniques around Europe as well as online.

ESSO generates research project ideas that are prospective, high-quality and feasible and then collaborates with clinical research operators for their implementations. Through its scientific Journal, the Journal of Cancer Surgery (EJSO), ESSO aims to educate and inform about the many subspecialty disciplines of cancer surgery.

ESSO is committed to raising the profile and setting the highest standards of cancer surgery, to enhance and improve comprehensively the quality of cancer care. ESSO influences both cancer service developments working within nations and across Europe and healthcare policy priorities.