OPENING CEREMONIES/KEYNOTE ADDRESS
MASCC/ISOO 20TH ANNIVERSARY INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
ST. GALLEN, SWITZERLAND

Professor Hans-Jorg Senn, Co-Chair, on behalf of himself and Co-Chair Dr. Agnes Glaus welcomed attendees at the 20th Anniversary International Symposium to St. Gallen for the annual meeting, Supportive Care in Cancer.  He introduced Rudolf Lutz, head of the St. Gallen Chamber Group Orchestra, who then gave a musical welcome.

Professor Senn noted that this is a special symposium with world-class leaders in supportive care. Twenty years ago he and Dr. Glaus, with others, realized the need to focus on quality of life of cancer patients with the clinical science behind practice.  This conference represents a window of hope for relieving suffering through motivation for excellent supportive care.

Dr. Glaus welcomed those attending.

Professor Senn then introduced Ms. Heidi Hanselmann, Minister of Health for the region of St. Gallen, who welcomed all, gave a history of St. Gallen, and reminded everyone of the benefit of St. Gallen chocolate.

Dr. Paul Hesketh, President of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, welcomed all on behalf of the board.  He gave particular thanks to Board Members, the Symposium Chairs, and the financial supporters of the meeting.  He invited all non-members to join MASCC.

The ceremonies concluded with a final musical presentation from Rudolf Lutz.

Professor Senn introduced Dr. Frederich Stiefel, a psychooncologist and Head of Psychiatry at the University Hospital Lausanne who’s Keynote Lecture was entitled “Support of the Supporters”.

Finally, Dr. Stiefel dedicated his new book to his mentor, Professor Hans Jorg Senn.

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