The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology: Update on Objectives and Educational and Research Activities

Abstract

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) is the principal European society contributing to the study, prevention, and treatment of gynecologic cancers. Founded in 1983, ESGO has more than 1,300 members in more than 40 European countries and worldwide who benefit from ESGO's innovative education and research initiatives and networking opportunities. ESGO objectives have been recently identified through a strategic planning process and include education, care, research, collaboration, awareness, and sustainability. As a leading gynecologic oncology society, ESGO holds biennial meetings where experts meet to discuss latest advances in gynecologic treatment and care. The 17(th) International Meeting of ESGO (ESGO 17) proved to be a resounding success, with 2,700 delegates and speakers who gathered from around the world in the cultured city of Milan, Italy. The structure of the congress included keynote lectures, debates, state-of-the art sessions, and focused sunrise sessions, together with oral and poster presentations and satellite symposia sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, during ESGO 17 the Society organized a seminar for European patient groups with an interest in gynecologic cancers with the aim of facilitating different patientrelated activities across Europe. Moreover, The European Network of Young Gynaecologic Oncologists (ENYGO), the European Network of Gynaecologic Oncology Trial Groups (ENGOT), and the European Network of Translational Research in Gynaecological Oncology (ENTRIGO) had their own section during ESGO 17. ESGO also holds numerous workshops throughout the calendar year and provides clinical and research grants, online educational materials, webcasts, and numerous networking opportunities.