Announcement on NCE2013

Abstract

Welcome to the 4th Nordic Congress on Endometriosis! The 4th Nordic Congress on Endometriosis will be hosted in Turku, Finland, on 23–25 May 2013. This follows the former Nordic Congresses in Stockholm, Sweden in 2000, in Svendborg, Denmark 2006 and in Trondheim, Norway in 2009. Springtime in Turku creates an attractive atmosphere for meeting up with researchers and medical professionals interested in endometriosis. The congress venue is located along the lovely banks of the river Aura where there is also the old town centre, the harbor, the cathedral and the Turku castle, as well as pleasant cafes and restaurants. Endometriosis as a major contributor to pelvic pain and subfertility affects 5–10% of women during their reproductive age. Of women and teenage girls with pelvic pain 50–60% may have the condition and up to 50% of women with infertility. The mean interval between onset of pain and definitive (surgical) diagnosis is estimated to be about 7–10 years. This is why many new diagnostic tools are in the pipeline of the current research. When symptomatic women undergo indicated operative treatment a one-step (advanced) surgical procedure is now recommended. Use of oral contraceptives either before or after surgery is a primary preventive measure to limit distribution or recurrence of the disease. In total the cost of treating endometriosis treated is substantial, both for society and the affected women. A total annual societal burden of endometriosis-associated costs in the European Union is estimated to be up to 12.5 billion €, which is comparable to other common chronic diseases. At NCE2013 we will cover all these aspects and more. NCE2013 offers the latest knowledge in science and patient care and promotes the exchange of experiences and ideas, provides contacts within the Nordic countries and will, as at the previous congresses, be a source of inspiration and fun. The congress starts on Thursday the 23rd May with live operations on an endometrioma and an advanced case of endometriosis. The participants can also join on in hands-on demonstrations which will be held in Turku University Hospital. That evening there is a welcome reception at the Turku Art Museum. Details of the whole program can been seen on our website www.nce2013.fi The scientific program begins on Friday with lectures concentrating on basic science, genetics and epidemiology as well as clinical aspects, novel diagnostics and treatment. Posters and a commercial exhibition are in close vicinity to the conference rooms. Friday evening we have a cruise and dinner in the unique Turku Archipelago: a convivial atmosphere and relaxing party together. On Saturday we discuss the newest achievements in research and results on Nordic collaboration and share experiences of centralisation of disease management. Last but not the least we look forward to a short report on activities of the World Endometriosis Society before the closing and farewell. The organizing committee is privileged to invite you to Turku on 23–25 May 2013 and we look forward to meeting you in Finland′s oldest town.