The World Health Organization (WHO) reported more than 600,000 deaths due to colorectal cancer in 2008 worldwide. The majority of these cancers could be prevented by the wide use of existing knowledge on cancer prevention, established screening methods and the use of modern treatment modalities. Since most colorectal cancers develop from adenomatous polyps, most cancers could be prevented by screening colonoscopies. The current understanding of carcinogenesis in colorectal cancer has led to improved diagnostic and therapeutic tools, which increase the probability of long-term survival of colorectal cancer. Major improvements have been achieved in endoscopy, surgery, chemotherapy and radio-oncology over the last years. Therefore, all colorectal cancer patients should be discussed in interdisciplinary tumor boards to determine the best individualized treatment plan, based on current knowledge in each clinical specialty.
The aim of this international symposium „Carcinogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer – State of the Art 2012” is to discuss the up-to-date colorectal cancer knowledge with basic and clinical researchers, general practitioners and colorectal cancer specialists in a wide interdisciplinary setting. We expect the participation of a high number of renowned experts from all over the world to increase our knowledge about colorectal cancer in regard to our all mission to prevent and cure cancer.
We would like to thank the Falk Foundation for the generous support and for the chance to organize such an extraordinary and important meeting in Munich. We are convinced that this International Falk Symposium 2012 will lead to a fruitful discussion about colorectal cancer and we would like to invite you all to participate and to benefit from our meeting in Munich. Welcome to Munich!
Helmut Friess, Munich
Michael Fried, Zurich
Roland M. Schmid, Munich
Cornelis van de Velde, Leiden
