The European Society of Surgical Oncology, ESSO, was established in 1981 to advance the art, science and practice of surgery for the treatment of cancer. It does that by:

• organising the biggest congress in surgical oncology in Europe ;
• unifying the surgical oncology community in a network of more than 2000 members;
• providing education and training to both young and experienced surgeons through courses and e-learning activities;
• publishing a monthly scientific Journal (EJSO-the Journal of Cancer Surgery);
• partnering in specific projects and courses with other discipline and organ-based societies within ECCO-the European CanCer Organisation, of which ESSO is a founding member;
• contributing to the development of the surgical oncology programme of the ECCO-ESMO Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress;
• 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 certifying the competence necessary for the treatment of cancer patients;
• informing on educational and scientific opportunities via its newsletter and website;
• supporting quality assurance projects towards the improvement of cancer care for all patients in Europe.

"Surgery remains the most important component of cancer treatment. For solid tumors, the old statement: "no surgery, no cure" is still valid for the majority of cases. For this reason surgical oncologists have a great responsibility towards their cancer patients and towards the progress of science."
U. Veronesi - ESSO 2006 Venice