In the early 1980s, a few visionaries working in European oncology laid the foundations of the Federation of European Cancer Societies (FECS) at a time when multidisciplinarity in cancer care – the idea that tackling cancer was a team effort that required a coordinated approach – was a relatively new concept.  25 years later, multidisciplinarity is accepted everywhere as being the best way to treat cancer, and members of FECS decided that it was time to look at a wider approach to oncology; one that would bring together major players in cancer research, treatment, and care in order to create awareness of patients’ wishes and needs, encourage progressive thinking in cancer policy, education, and training, and continue to promote European cancer research and its application through the organisation of multidisciplinary meetings and conferences.

After a period of reflection, during which many players in oncology were consulted, the new European CanCer Organisation (ECCO) was conceived and was born at ECCO 14 in Barcelona in September 2007.   Apart from campaigning on political issues such as the cost effectiveness of cancer drugs and equitable access to treatment, it will expand its outreach and educational role through its involvement with ecancermedicalscience, a new initiative designed to bring cancer science, policy, and treatment to a wide public.

The new European CanCer Organisation will play an important role in engaging with policymakers to promote the interests of cancer patients, those who care for them, and those without whose research there would be no advances in treatment and care.

Invitations to join ECCO have been sent to the FECS Founding Members: EACR, EONS, ESSO, ESMO, ESTRO, and SIOP Europe.
Members and Advisory Council: EANO, EORTC, ESGO, ESO, ESOP, Euroskin, and EUSOMA, EBMT, ECL, Europa Donna, FAC, OECI, and UICC

Visit the new website at www.ecco-org.eu  to find out more.