Basics in Breast Cancer Surgery

A hands-on practical training

Basics in Breast Cancer Surgery

A hands-on practical training

Chair: Riccardo A. Audisio, IT

Description
Surgical approaches have dramatically improved over the last few decades, taking into account cancer control as well as cosmetic outcomes. This educational event aims to provide a broad and exhaustive insight into modern Breast Cancer Surgery as well as fundamental knowledge of the biology and the spread of the disease.
Technical details of a dozen procedures such as sentinel node biopsy, axillary dissection, and removal of non-palpable lesions will be explained and discussed with a team of international experts. All delegates will have the opportunity to perform and critically comment on them via a hands-on approach using a custom-made model (one model per participant).

Teaching format

The event is divided into two educational parts:
1. Pre-recorded online lectures available from 15 September 2025;
2. An in-person event scheduled for eitherNovember 14 or15, 2025, will accommodate up to 14 participants each day. The program will be identical on both days, during which participants will be exposed to:

    1. Summary presentations of the pre-recorded lectures by the participants (each selected participant will be assigned one pre-recorded lecture to briefly summarize – max 5 minutes);
    2. Open discussions with top-level European experts on the topics presented in the pre-recorded lectures;
    3. Practical hands-on training using models.

Participants will be required to view the online lectures prior to attending the in-person event. These sessions can be accessed at their convenience, allowing them to progress at their own pace.

Additionally, participants will be tasked with summarizing and presenting one of the pre-recorded sessions to the audience during the in-person even, providing an opportunity to enhance their presentation skills.

 
Learning objectives
Participants will have the chance to improve their surgical skills and learn from top level international experts.
The course will focus on the following procedures that will be presented, discussed and performed on a mannequin, under the surveillance of a mentor (one mentor per couple of participants):
 
1. Axillary sampling
2. Injection of the dye
3. SLNB - blue dye
4. SLNB - Magtrace
5. Axillary Dissection
6. Lumpectomy (palpable lump)
7. Wire-guided lumpectomy
8. Occult lesion localization
9. De-epithelization
10. Batwing incision
11. Skin flap
12. Drainage positioning
13. Mastectomy

Promeditec Innovation managed and supervised the customization of the breast simulators for ESO.


The localisation probes used during the surgical procedures are generously provided by Endomag.


The course is endorsed by ESSO.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official language will be English. No translation will be available.
 
CME ACCREDITATION
Participants will be issued a certificate of attendance (minimum attendance: 75% of the online part + 100% of the one-day in-person event - either 14 or 15 November 2025). An online evaluation questionnaire and learning assessment test will need to be completed for both parts in order to get the certificate that will be sent by email.
Application for CME/CPD recognition has been submitted to the Accreditation Council of Oncology in Europe (ACOE) and the course has been awarded 13 credits.
The American Medical Association (AMA) and the Accreditation Council for Continuous Medical Education (ACCME) designate this type of educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA category 1 credits per hour of activity.
 
ESO College Membership
Being selected to take part in this ESO activity gives participants eligibility to enrol in ESO's College.
The course also enables members of the College to earn credits and therefore access more membership benefits.
Full and active participation in the event earns participants 9 ESO COllege credits.
Visit www.ESCO.org for more information on how to join the College.

VENUE
Imperial College London 
St Mary's Hospital 
London, UK 
 
ORGANISING SECRETARIAT
Francesca Marangoni
European School of Oncology (ESO)
Via Turati 29
IT- 20121 Milan
ph +39 366 3434694
email: fmarangoni@eso.net

The breast simulators have been designed by the Imperial College who adapted them following the specification provided by ESO scientific experts to comply with the training needs of this course.

Promeditec Innovation managed and supervised the customization of the breast simulators for ESO.

 

The localisation probes used during the surgical procedures are generously provided by Endomag.

Andreas Karakatsanis profile photo
Andreas Karakatsanis

Uppsala University Hospital, Department of Surgery, Section for Breast Surgery, Uppsala, SE

Daniel Richard Leff profile photo
Daniel Richard Leff

Imperial College, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, London, UK

Denise Vorburger profile photo
Denise Vorburger

Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Department for Women's Health - Breast Unit, Winterthur, CH

Eduard Alexandru Bonci profile photo
Eduard Alexandru Bonci

Champalimaud Research and Clinical Centre, Breast Unit, Lisbon, PT

Isabel T. Rubio profile photo
Isabel T. Rubio

Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Breast Surgical Oncology Dpt., Madrid, ES

Lynda Wyld profile photo
Lynda Wyld

University of Sheffield - The Medical School, Faculty of Health - Division of Clinical Medicine, Sheffield, UK

Maria-João Cardoso profile photo
Maria-João Cardoso

Champalimaud Foundation, Breast Unit, Lisbon, PT

Meera Joshi profile photo
Meera Joshi

Imperial College, London, UK

Riccardo A. Audisio profile photo
Riccardo A. Audisio

Trieste, IT

Roberto Gennari profile photo
Roberto Gennari

Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Breast Unit, Cefalù, IT

APPLICATION
Attendance to this course is by application only. 
14 participants per day will be selected (28 participants in total). 
Application deadline: 29 June 2025 

IDEAL PROFILE OF THE CANDIDATE
• Aged up to 40 years
• At least 2-3 years’ experience in surgical oncology
• Fluency in English
• From ESO’s geographical reach: Europe, Mediterranean countries and Latin America
• During the application review, College membership level and earned credits will also be considered as part of the selection process
 
HOW TO APPLY
The application process involves completing an online questionnaire, where you will provide details about:
• Your work experience and training
• Your research experience and publications
• Your motivation and personal commitment to participating in this activity

During the application, you will also need to upload the following documents in PDF format:
• Supporting letter from head of department or mentor
• CV 
You will be asked to indicate your preference of in-person day (either 14 or 15 November). ESO will do its best to accommodate the requests, but no guarantee can be provided

A registration fee of 300€ will be asked to the successful applicants.
The registration fee covers: 
- Access to the course and its educational resources
- Meals according to the course programme
 
Accommodation and travel are not included.