The two-day ESSO specialized course, “Basics of Oncology for Surgeons,” held on March 19 and 20, 2026, in Sofia, Bulgaria, was a great success and drew significant interest. The event brought together young surgeons and residents from the region and far, who had the unique opportunity to train under the guidance of leading European experts. The course reaffirmed the role of surgical oncology as an integral part of comprehensive patient care and provided a platform for an intensive exchange of knowledge and cutting-edge practices.
The program offered a balance between theoretical lectures and practical sessions, covering critical topics such as the molecular biology of cancer, the role of multidisciplinary teams, and the integration of new treatment modalities. Special highlight was placed on the development of scientific skills and psychological support, with participants taking part in interactive workshops on public speaking and clinical trial design. These hands-on activities were highly valued by the participants as key to their professional development.
The success of this training underscores the commitment of Bulgarian Breast Cancer Association to provide high-quality education to the next generation of surgeons, laying the groundwork for better outcomes in the treatment of cancer throughout Europe.