General Info

What is ESSO?

The Society

The European Society of Surgical Oncology, ESSO, was established in 1981 to support its members in advancing the science and practice of surgical oncology for the benefit of cancer patients.

Its Activities

ESSO performs a range of activities:

  • Organising the biggest congress in surgical oncology in Europe
  • Unifying the surgical oncology community in a network of over 4,000 members (individuals and corporate)
  • Advocating towards the EU institutions and relevant stakeholders to raise awareness on the value of surgical oncology in the treatment and care of cancer
  • Providing education and training to both young and experienced surgeons through in-person and online courses and webinars
  • Publishing a monthly scientific Journal (EJSO-the Journal of Cancer Surgery)
  • Partnering in projects and courses with other discipline and organ-based societies within ECO-European Cancer Organisation
  • Providing an attractive fellowship programme facilitating exchange of knowledge and continuing medical education
  • Offering specific opportunities for young cancer surgeons and cancer surgeons from developing countries to attend the ESSO Congress 
  • Organising yearly, in co-operation with the European Board of Surgery, an examination in surgical oncology and in breast cancer surgery certifying the competence necessary for the treatment of cancer patients
  • Informing on educational and scientific opportunities via its newsletter and website
  • Bringing together young surgical oncologists within EYSAC, ESSO Young Surgeons & Alumni Club
  • Supporting collaborative research projects towards the improvement of cancer care for all patients in Europe, in particular through the EYSAC research academy

See the membership benefits and join ESSO