Dear Delegates, sponsors and exhibitors,

It gives us great pleasure to welcome you to the World Cancer Congress 2008.

In the 75 years since the International Union Against Cancer was founded, the global cancer control community has grown dramatically. UICC is proud to count among its members the world's leading cancer research institutes, treatment centres, voluntary cancer leagues and societies, patient support networks and advocacy groups and, in some countries, ministries of health.

The World Cancer Congress reflects this diverse constituency. It is deliberately broad-based, gathering leaders in the fight against cancer from the across the world. It is designed to embrace everyone involved in cancer control, from research to treatment and cure, from prevention to palliative care.

Cancer respects no borders and affects us all, directly or indirectly. This congress has a key role in building partnerships across countries, organizations and disciplines and advancing the conquest of cancer in every country.

Together we can move the global cancer control agenda forward and bring hope to millions.