8th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-8), Vienna, March 21–24, 2012

Abstract

For the 8th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC) 4,000 international scientists, physicians, patient advocates, and industry representatives convened at the Austria Centre Vienna. In an intensive exchange of interdisciplinary experts involving a variety of popular formats (state-of-the-art lectures, clinical science symposia, debates, proffered paper sessions, etc.), the newest developments in breast cancer research and treatment were presented and discussed. A record number of abstract submissions were received for the EBCC, and an international peer review committee found an interesting selection covering all important aspects of breast cancer research, including diagnosis and screening, local and systemic treatment, lifestyle issues and structural aspects of multidisciplinary breast health centres. Most importantly - and demonstrating the successful implementation of the EBCC as a major international conference - original research was presented for the first time at the EBCC. Reflecting the important participation of patient advocates in program creation and conference planning, summary sessions were held in order to reflect the potential of newly presented original research in tomorrow's daily clinical practice. The luckily perfect spring weather in Vienna promoted continuing discussions and exchange of experiences among participants also between and after the well-attended scientific sessions. As a new but highly successful feature, a local ‘patient day’ was organized in Vienna on the final day of the EBCC with the aim of translating the latest research findings into understandable language for patients, patients advocates, and the interested public, who attended in numbers.