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45th Congress of the European Society of Surgical Oncology 2026
The 45th Congress of the European Society of Surgical Oncology 2026 will take place from 4 to 6 November 2026 at IFEMA in Madrid, Spain. This major European meeting brings together surgical oncology specialists, researchers, and other cancer care professionals to discuss the latest advances in cancer surgery, multidisciplinary treatment, and clinical practice. If you are looking for the essentials of 45th Congress of the European Society of Surgical Oncology 2026, this page gives you the date, venue, scope, and audience in a clear, factual way.
What is the 45th Congress of the European Society of Surgical Oncology 2026?
The 45th Congress of the European Society of Surgical Oncology is the annual scientific meeting of the European Society of Surgical Oncology, widely known by its acronym ESSO. It focuses on surgical oncology, a field that combines surgery with the broader management of cancer care.
This congress is designed for specialists who deal with solid tumours and complex cancer pathways. It is not a consumer event. It is a professional congress built around clinical science, evidence-based practice, and peer exchange.
At a glance, the event is about:
- cancer surgery and surgical innovation
- multidisciplinary oncology
- clinical research and education
- advances in treatment strategies
- professional networking among specialists
When and where does the 45th Congress of the European Society of Surgical Oncology 2026 take place?
The congress will be held from 4 to 6 November 2026. The venue is IFEMA, in Madrid, Spain.
Madrid is a major European conference city, and IFEMA is one of its best-known event venues. That makes the congress easy to place for international delegates coming from across Europe and beyond. The official event website is esso44.org, which confirms the congress identity and its scientific focus.
The key logistical facts are simple:
- dates: 4, 5 and 6 November 2026
- city: Madrid
- country: Spain
- venue: IFEMA
Who attends this congress?
This meeting is aimed at professionals involved in oncology and surgery. The most relevant audiences are surgeons, oncologists, trainees, researchers, nurses with a specialist oncology role, and other healthcare professionals working in cancer treatment pathways.
Because ESSO is a specialist society, the audience is typically highly qualified and clinically focused. The congress is especially relevant for people working in hospitals, academic centres, cancer institutes, and research environments.
Typical attendee profiles include:
- surgical oncologists
- general surgeons with an oncology focus
- medical oncologists
- residents and fellows
- clinical researchers
- multidisciplinary cancer care teams
What topics are usually covered at ESSO congresses?
The official congress website should be consulted for the final programme, but the event itself is clearly centred on surgical oncology. That means the agenda is expected to reflect current issues in cancer surgery and associated treatment pathways.
The most likely themes include surgery for different tumour types, perioperative care, innovation in techniques, and the role of multidisciplinary treatment planning. In this type of congress, scientific sessions usually combine education and debate. That format helps delegates compare approaches and question established practice.
Common topic areas in surgical oncology congresses include:
- breast, colorectal, hepatobiliary, gastric, endocrine, and other tumour sites
- minimally invasive and advanced surgical techniques
- training and education in oncology surgery
- research, outcomes, and clinical trials
- multidisciplinary decision-making in cancer care
What is the format of the event?
The 45th Congress of the European Society of Surgical Oncology is a scientific congress. That usually means a mix of plenary sessions, expert talks, oral presentations, and poster discussions. Depending on the final programme, there may also be workshops, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.
This kind of format works well for a specialist audience. It allows participants to hear from leading experts, present research, and discuss practical questions with peers. The atmosphere is formal, but not static. These meetings often move quickly between data, case discussions, and surgical insight.
In practical terms, the event format is likely to include:
- keynote lectures
- scientific sessions
- abstract presentations
- poster sessions
- networking breaks and professional meetings
What makes the 2026 edition worth noting?
The 2026 edition is the 45th congress, which already tells you something about its scale and continuity. An event that has reached its 45th edition has established itself as a long-running reference point in its field.
Its importance lies in the combination of scientific credibility and specialist relevance. Surgical oncology changes fast. Techniques evolve, treatment pathways shift, and multidisciplinary care keeps moving. A congress like this gives professionals a place to compare practices and stay aligned with current thinking.
What stands out about this edition is the setting itself, too. Madrid and IFEMA provide a major international meeting environment, which is well suited to a European congress of this kind.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 45th Congress of the European Society of Surgical Oncology open to the public?
No, this is a professional medical congress. It is intended for healthcare and research professionals, especially those working in surgical oncology and related cancer disciplines.
What does ESSO stand for?
ESSO stands for the European Society of Surgical Oncology. It is the professional society behind the congress and the main organiser of this scientific meeting.
Is there an exhibition at the congress?
The official sources available here confirm the congress itself, but they do not provide detailed public information on an exhibition area in the material reviewed. Check the official congress website for the final event structure.
Will the programme include abstracts or scientific submissions?
The congress format typically includes scientific presentations, but the exact abstract process and deadlines should be confirmed on the official website. For a specialist congress like this, abstract submission is often a key part of the programme.
Why is this event relevant for surgical oncology specialists?
Because it focuses on the latest scientific and clinical developments in cancer surgery. It offers direct access to expert-led sessions, current research, and discussions on multidisciplinary cancer care.
How do I confirm the final agenda and registration details?
Use the official congress website, esso44.org. That is the most reliable source for final programme updates, registration information, and any changes closer to the event dates.