Course Overview

The Certificate of Competence in Breast Cancer (CCB), launched in 2015, was the first academic programme dedicated to strengthening the clinical and scientific capabilities of oncology professionals in the management of breast cancer.

This 17-month, part-time programme combines four online modules with three in-person seminars, offering participants a well-rounded educational experience supported by renowned academic and clinical experts.

Upon successful completion of the programme and the final examination, participants will receive an academic certificate jointly awarded by the European School of Oncology (ESO) and Ulm University. 

The certificate grants 14 ECTS credits, corresponding to 381 hours of workload, along with a diploma supplement issued by Ulm University.

Programme Details

    Duration: 15 months
    Credits assigned: 14 ECTS
    Structure: 5 online modules + 3 in-person seminars
    Collaborating University: Ulm University

Attendance

Attendance at all seminars and modules is mandatory in order to be eligible for the final certificate.

Curriculum Overview

Key Dates

• Applications open: 15 June 2026
• Application deadline: 30 September 2026
• Seminar 1: 17 - 20 March 2027 – San Gallen BCC, Vienna, Austria
• Seminar 2: February 2028 – ESO Learning to Care seminar (location TBC)
• Seminar 3:  June/July 2028, Stand-alone seminar and final exam, Ulm, Germany

Insurance

Participants must arrange their own personal and travel insurance. ESO accepts no liability for events related to seminar attendance.

ESO College Membership

Participants in the programme are eligible to enrol in ESO College. 

Those who complete the course and pass the final exam will earn 400 ESO College Credits, unlocking access to additional benefits, including tailored career development opportunities and advanced learning resources.
Visit the ESO College dedicated section for more information on membership and benefits.

Contacts

Alexandra Zampetti - azampetti@eso.net

 

Applicaiton deadline:  30 September, 2026

Admission to the certificate is competitive and limited to 30 selected participants.

Ideal Candidate

How to apply

Candidates must complete an online applicaiton and upload the following PDF or JPEG documents:

• Recommendation letter (on official letterhead, signed)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of medical or science degree (original + certified English translation)
• Transcript of records (original + certified English translation)
• Proof of professional experience in oncology (employment/reference letters)
• Supporting documents for additional qualifications 

You will be asked to accept ESO’s Data Protection Statement during the application process.

Selection process

The current two-step selection method ensures a transparent and unbiased selection of top candidates for participation in this activity:

• Automated scoring using a predefined system
• Committee evaluation of qualitative answers

The tuition fee is of EUR 4.900,00 for all participants.

What’s included

• Access to all online modules
• Registration and accommodation for 3 in-person seminars
• Participation in all required exams

Travel expenses are not included.

Financial aid

A CAS Financial Aid Fund is available for candidates unable to cover the full fee. Requests are reviewed case by case.

Cancellation

All cancellation requests must be sent in writing and will be evaluated individually.

Chairs

• Wolfgang Janni, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, DE
• Matteo Lambertini, University of Genova - Ente Ospedaliero Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, IT
• Elzbieta Senkus, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, PL

Advanced Breast Cancer Chair

• Fatima Cardoso, Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) Global Alliance and Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, FR

Course Coordinator

• Brigitte Rack, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, DE

Module Directors

• M1: Andrea De Censi, Champalimaud Research and Clinical Centre, Lisbon, PT
• M2: Magali La Croix-Triki, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, FR
• M3: Oreste Gentilini, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, IT
• M4: Volkmar Müller, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, DE
• M5: Nadia Harbeck, LMU University Hospital, Munich, DE

Project Management and Organization

• Alexandra Zampetti, ESO, Bellinzona, CH