PREFACE by the Federal President of the Republic of Austria,
DR. HEINZ FISCHER
The EFR Congress is to promote scientific progress in the field of colorectal cancer. In this function this congress will set important new signs in a time of scientific progress. Even though the recent results in the field of cancer research and cancer treatment have been remarkable, there is still much work left, which can be achieved in the best way if people pursue a common goal together. By paraphrasing Sir Karl Popper “I may be wrong and you may be right, but together we can try to move a little bit closer to the truth.”, I may wish all visitors and participants an interesting and successful congress.
OPENING ADDRESSby the EFR President, BÉLA TELEKY
The World Health Organisation has set itself ambitious targets. In the future, one third of all cancer cases worldwide shall be avoided by adequate prevention and changing goals in life. Another third is to be prevented by early detection and the remaining cases by progress in medical research. It is with definite pride that I can say that this Congress will focus on a type of cancer for which both prevention and better understanding of tumor-biological processes is of particular importance – colorectal cancer, the second most common cancer disease worldwide. For this 7th International Symposium we have managed to invite and attract opinion leaders from several continents to give the attendants the opportunity to gather new scientific experience and know-how on treatment-related methods for improving prognosis and chances of cure and healing for patients. The program of this Congress will focus on improved diagnostic options, prognostic factors and surgical techniques, but also on the progress made in the field of state-of-the-art radio- and chemotherapy. The presentations have been organized to allow sufficient time for interdisciplinary discussions. Many of the topics the speakers will discuss have been selected with the goal in mind to present controversial statements for which a common consensus is to be sought in the ensuing discussions. In addition, poster sessions will give opportunity for young scientists and researchers to present the focus of their research work and the related therapeutic results with the best poster being awarded a special prize. As president of this scientific meeting I consider it as my task to provide the participants with an opportunity to extend their scientific horizon, familiarize themselves with new ideas and learn about critical interpretations of study results. Focal Congresses like this one will give the attendants the chance to obtain a global understanding if colorectal cancer – from molecular biology to individual treatment concepts and approaches – in concise but yet comprehensive form. The social program of the 7th EFR Congress has been designed to provide the participants with an impression of the major artistic feats of the city of Vienna. In the historical Belvedere, you will be given the chance of being intimately close to pictures and paintings of Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka. Enjoying blissful music at the Coat of Arms Hall of the Vienna City Hall you will have the opportunity of getting to know new people, build new friendships and meet old acquaintances again.