Basics in Breast Cancer Surgery

Chair: R. A. Audisio, IT

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 either November 14 or 15, 2025, will accommodate up to 14 participants each day. The program will be identical on both days, during which participants will be exposed to:
• 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);
• Open discussions with top-level European experts on the topics presented in the pre-recorded lectures;
• 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

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

The official language will be English. Translation will not be available.

FEE

A registration fee of 300€ will be asked to the 28 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.

VENUE

Imperial College London
St Mary's Hospital
London, UK

ENTERING THE UK

Participants need to make sure they have the requested documents to enter the UK (passport, ETA, visa).
Information regarding UK visa application can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

Information regarding UK ETA regulation can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

CME ACCREDITATION

Participants will be issued a certificate of attendance. 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 recognition will be submitted to the Accreditation Council of Oncology in Europe (ACOE).

ESO COLLEGE MEMBERSHIP

Being selected to take part in this course is one of the ESO activities that 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 course earns participants 9 ESO College credits

Visit www.ESCO.org for more information on how to join the College.

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.

ATTENDANCE TO THIS COURSE IS BY APPLICATION ONLY

14 PARTICIPANTS PER DAY WILL BE SELECTED (28 participants in total)

Applications deadline: 29 June 2025

IDEAL PROFILE OF THE CANDIDATE

• Aged up to 40 years
• 2-3 years’ experience in surgical oncology
• Involvement in scientific activities and clinical trials
• 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

Interested candidates should apply online (at the top of this page).

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 the in-person day (either 14 OR 15 November). ESO will do its best to accommodate the requests, but no guarantee can be provided.