This year the organisers requested a specific focus on survivor participation in the conference with a practical and dynamic programme. The GBCC was the follow-up to the inaugural event held at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Seoul in October 2007.

It began as an academic convention jointly hosted by the Korean Breast Cancer Society, the Korean Breast Cancer Foundation, the Korean Oncology Nursing Society, and Johns Hopkins University from the US.

Challenges
Sheraton was again chosen as the conference venue as it offered value for money and extensive facilities. The organisers had concerns about the lack of public transport nearby, and arranged a shuttle bus schedule to minimise inconvenience.

Execution
Following a welcome reception in the hotel’s Vista Hall, plenary sessions, panels and symposiums were held across the three days. Oral presentations were arranged which also gave participants the chance to hold lectures.

There was a strong emphasis on patient participation and sessions were set up for survivors to share lessons on maintaining physical and mental health to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. Many delegates also participated in the two fun runs organised to raise awareness of the issue.

Delegates could network on both a professional and personal level at the faculty dinner, which took place in the Aston House of the Sheraton, a standalone facility next to the main building. More than 100 people attended, speeches were given from renowned practitioners including Dr Min-Hyuk Lee, the president of the GBCC.

Alongside the conference an exhibition of medical equipment and products also took place in the hotel, as well as the 7th Biennial Meeting of the Asian Breast Cancer Society.

Comment
This year the number of delegates rose by 30 per cent and there was a 10 per cent increase in exhibition booths. After the conference 90 per cent of delegates said they were satisfied with the high-quality scientific programme, logistics and social events.

Dr Dong-Young Noh, co-chairperson of the GBCC 2009 says: “We are happy to see that GBCC has improved significantly over the last two years. “We deeply appreciate the contributions and efforts made by the organising committee members and Intercom.

“We expect the next GBCC will be another positive step towards its journey to become a well-known and influential breast cancer conference.”