Breast cancer, the most frequently diagnosed tumor among women worldwide, takes center stage this week in Barcelona for an international scientific debate on its challenges and opportunities. The Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), managed by Fira de Barcelona, will host the 15th edition of the European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC) from March 25 to 27, the premier European congress in this field. Over 1,400 healthcare professionals from 81 countries are coming together to share knowledge, showcase the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment, and engage in discussions and workshops that underscore the event’s multidisciplinary and international scope.
Despite the significant progress made in recent decades, which has greatly improved patient survival and quality of life, breast cancer remains one of the foremost public health challenges. Persistent disparities in access to early diagnosis and innovative treatments, along with variations in clinical outcomes across regions and healthcare systems, remain central to the scientific debate and underscore the need for a more equitable and coordinated approach.
The scientific program will cover topics of global relevance, including new pharmacological treatments, early detection, personalized therapies, translational research, and strategies to enhance equity in healthcare. This edition of the EBCC will feature 115 international speakers and the presentation of 347 scientific abstracts, as well as over 50 hours of sessions encompassing clinical debates, hands-on workshops, and masterclasses.
In addition, the congress continues to establish itself as a premier international platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among professionals worldwide. It will also play a key role for early-career researchers, providing opportunities to present their work and build connections with leading experts in the field of breast cancer.
More effective treatments and earlier diagnosis
Oncologist and President of the EBCC National Organizing Committee, Dr. Javier Cortés, underscores the transformation breast cancer treatment has undergone over recent decades. He states, “There has been a radical shift in breast cancer care; we now have more effective therapies and much earlier diagnoses, which have significantly improved survival.” Nevertheless, he cautions that many challenges remain, particularly in ensuring equitable access to these new therapeutic approaches.
Cortés also emphasizes that the congress offers “an opportunity to showcase the country’s global progress in breast cancer care, learn from the experiences of other nations, and continue advancing” in the near future. In this context, the EBCC organizers highlight the importance of knowledge sharing, fostering international collaboration, and promoting a multidisciplinary approach to tackling the disease.
Following the success of the Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) and European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) congresses this March, with the EBCC marking the close of the first quarter, the CCIB reinforces its status as a premier venue for medical and scientific congresses. Throughout the year, the center is set to host around fifteen such events, welcoming an estimated 160,000 professionals, nearly 20% of its annual activity.
