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Florence Statement

Forging the way ahead for more research on and better care in breast cancer

Introduction

The first European consensus on key issues in breast cancer has today been reached by nearly 1,000 clinicians, scientists and healthcare consumers attending a mass voting session at the 1st European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-1) in Florence. The Florence Statement sets the agenda for everyone involved in these key issues in breast cancer research, treatment, prevention and advocacy including the three major groups and organisers of EBCC-1:

This objective-setting document will stimulate much needed change in the field of breast cancer. EORTC-BCCG, EUSOMA and the patient-advocacy activities of Europa Donna will work towards these goals by lobbying European governments and mobilizing health-service providers, the scientific community and the healthcare industry. These new actions demanded by the EBCC-1 delegates will be assessed and reviewed in two years at EBCC-2, to be held in Brussels from 26 to 30 September, 2000.

Florence Statement

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer and the most frequent cause of cancer death in women in every European Union country. Because of its importance and its potentially high curability, breast cancer deserves special attention and effort. The 1st European Breast Cancer Conference calls on the European Parliament to devote a plenary session to breast cancer.

The Florence conference also makes the following statements:

On research:

On genetic predisposition:

On psychosocial status:

On treatment:

On quality of care:

Professor Luigi Cataliotti

President EUSOMA

Professor Cornelis van de Velde

Chairman EORTC-BCCG

Mrs Gloria Freilich

President Europa Donna