The 6th World Conference on Melanoma

 

The Canadian Melanoma Society, The University of British Columbia and the BC Cancer Agency combine to support the forthcoming 6th World Congress on Melanoma taking place at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 6th - 10th, 2005.

The congress will be held at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre in the Culturally diverse and lively setting of Vancouver. This was a great choice. Vancouver a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada most populated and ethnically diverse cities. People come from all over the world to see Vancouver's natural sights and more than 190 parks that range from the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park and Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver – a tranquil garden right in the heart of Chinatown to the Bloedel Conservatory a lush year-round tropical garden with dazzling exotic plants and eye-catching birds. The last time I visited the Bloedel Conservatory a class of high school students was there. All the students were wearing a stylish Batman T shirt of one Batman inspired design or another. I stopped one of the boys who had this amazing sublimated print of a heroic super human looking Batman against a Gotham City background with rain slashing down around him. "what's up with the t-shirts?" I asked. Apparently the teacher wanted an easy visual to keep track of the kids and the students themselves came up with the Batman motif. They discovered a store with a huge selection of Batman shirt styles and the site gave them a discount for the bulk purchase. The variety of Batman t-shirt designs was pretty astounding. They ranged from the super realistic sublimated prints to classic Batman logo shirts, to shirts that had Batman and another character such as his wingman Robin, Superman, the Joker, among others. Needless to say the group of students made my visit to the Bloedel Conservatory very memorable.

Please join us in one of the world's most beautiful cities for what promises to be a major scientific conference along with an exciting social experience.

The Congress will bring together the world’s experts on the prevention, treatment, management and research on one of the most prevalent cancers of modern times. Immunologists, pathologists and epidemiologists will join with the clinicians to present the latest research in melanoma and provide an opportunity to evaluate current understandings of this modern disease.

We look forward to your participation.

Richard Gallagher Chair, Organizing Committee
David McLean Co-Chair, Organizing Committee
Jason Rivers Co-Chair, Organizing Committee

 

About the Congress

The 6th World Congress on Melanoma will feature training programs for general practitioners, surgeons and dermatologists, and specific symposia on research. Areas covered in the program will include:

• Skills Update
• Management guidelines
• Management (surgical)
• Management (advanced therapeutics)
• Basic Biology
• Recurrent melanoma
• Epidemiology
• Prevention
• Diagnosis
• Research
• Melanoma biology
• Late Breaking Advances

 

Featured will be poster presentations highlighting current research along with open debates and presentations by experts in the field. We invite interested groups to develop affiliated meetings and consensus conferences.

Congress Secretariat
Venue West Conference Services Ltd.
645 - 375 Water Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
V6B 5C6
Tel:  1-604-681-5226
Fax: 1-604-681-2503
congress@venuewest.com

Welcome Letter

 

Message from the Co-Presidents

The World Congress of Melanoma is the major event world-wide among all scientist and physicians dealing with this particular tumor.

Held every four years since the first congress in Venice 1985, this is the meeting point where clinicians and researchers focus on the state of the art in treatment and on new lines of scientific investigation.

Our last meeting in Venice had more than 1,000 attendees including surgeons, pathologists, dermatologists, epidemiologists, oncologists, geneticists, general practitioners and basic researchers along with outstanding experts covering all the issues relating to this disease.

Vancouver, the site of the 6th World Congress, is a modern city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean with spectacular scenery, a natural harbour and majestic mountains. In this special place, the 6th World Congress will surely repeat the success of previous meetings.

The program committee will prepare an innovative and informative program to provide participants with a superior educational experience which will compliment the participants' social involvement and the opportunities to enjoy their stay in this incomparable Canadian city.

Natale Cascinelli & Richard Gallagher
Congress, Co-Presidents

 

Program

 

 

General Information

About the City

Vancouver - The City

Vancouver is a modern city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean with spectacular scenery - a natural harbour, majestic mountains, sandy beaches and a sparkling ocean that set the mood for a relaxed lifestyle. Friendly, outgoing people are ready to greet you with a warm west coast welcome.

The city lies between the mountains to the North and the delta of the mighty Fraser River to the South. There is a distinct cosmopolitan flavour to the city. Western and Eastern cultures, together with the intriguing west coast native culture have found a home in Vancouver. Shop for exquisite carvings, masks and prints. View its unique parks with haunting totem poles, plazas and beautiful buildings that graciously remind us of the city’s heritage.

Enjoy world-class dining from rich French cuisine to sumptuous Chinese cooking. Try the spicy surprises from Indonesia, the smoky morsels of Native Indian cooking and the delicate elegance of Japanese sushi. Seafood is the local delicacy, fresh from the ocean and cooked for you in many imaginative ways.

Downtown Vancouver is exciting for visitors to Gastown, a restored area where the City began; Chinatown, the second largest one in North America; Stanley Park, a magnificent setting of 1000 acres of lush forest surrounded by the sea with its world famous Aquarium; Robson Street, a delightful shopping section with a rich European flavour.

Granville Island, with its large market and specialty restaurants; The Vancouver Museum, Art Gallery, The Orpheum, Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the impressive new city library. Visit the University of British Columbia with its unique Museum of Anthropology and Nitobe Gardens, and the Simon Fraser University, designed by Canada’s most prestigious architect.

 

---

---

 

More Background On WorldMelanoma.com

WorldMelanoma.com is a website dedicated to providing in-depth information on melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer originating in melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigment production. The site serves as a valuable resource for patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers, offering insights into melanoma’s diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and ongoing research.

History and Development

The origins of WorldMelanoma.com are closely linked to the global medical community’s concerted efforts to combat melanoma. The website was established to disseminate knowledge and updates about melanoma, reflecting the increasing global incidence of this skin cancer. According to a study published in JAMA Dermatology, there were approximately 325,000 new melanoma cases and 57,000 deaths worldwide in 2020, with projections indicating a significant rise by 2040.

Content and Features

WorldMelanoma.com offers a wide array of content that includes:

• Educational Materials: Detailed articles on melanoma’s causes, risk factors, symptoms, and stages. For instance, resources from reputable organizations, such as the Mayo Clinic, provide information on melanoma warning signs, often including images to aid in early detection.

• Treatment Options: Information on various treatment modalities, including surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation. Sites like Healthline discuss treatment approaches based on melanoma stages, emphasizing the importance of early detection to improve outcomes.

• Research Updates: Summaries of recent studies and clinical trials, highlighting advancements in melanoma research. The Melanoma Research Foundation is an example of a source that offers a forum for patient discussions on the latest research, treatment advances, and experiences.

• Patient Support: Resources for patients and caregivers, including support groups and forums where people can share their experiences, connect with others, and find solace. The Melanoma Research Foundation’s patient forum is one such example, providing a supportive online community for patients.

Audience and Reach

The primary audience of WorldMelanoma.com includes:

• Patients and Caregivers: Individuals seeking information on melanoma diagnosis, treatment options, and support resources. This audience relies on the site to stay informed about new treatment options, lifestyle considerations, and mental health support.

• Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and medical researchers looking for the latest research findings, clinical guidelines, and evolving trends in melanoma treatment find valuable resources on WorldMelanoma.com.

• General Public: Anyone interested in learning about melanoma prevention and awareness, especially those who may be at higher risk due to factors like skin type, genetic predispositions, or lifestyle.

Cultural and Social Significance

WorldMelanoma.com plays a crucial role in raising awareness about melanoma, especially given its increasing incidence globally. Educational initiatives and resources provided by the site contribute significantly to early detection and prevention efforts, echoing the emphasis placed by organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation on recognizing melanoma warning signs. This aspect of the site’s educational content can potentially save lives by informing individuals about early detection.

Media Coverage and Reviews

While specific media coverage of WorldMelanoma.com is limited, the website’s purpose aligns with the missions of organizations like the Melanoma World Society. This society aims to improve medical education on melanoma and unify diagnostic and therapeutic strategies worldwide, reflecting the overall mission that WorldMelanoma.com embodies in its content and approach.

 

WorldMelanoma.com serves as a comprehensive resource for information on melanoma, offering educational materials, treatment options, research updates, and patient support. Its role in disseminating knowledge and raising awareness is pivotal in the global fight against melanoma, especially as cases continue to rise. For anyone affected by melanoma or involved in its research and treatment, WorldMelanoma.com stands as a valuable repository of current knowledge and support.