American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is made up of over 21,500 professional members from over 100 countries worldwide. ASCO is the world's leading professional organization for physicians who treat cancer patients. ASCO's members specialize in all oncology fields, including medical, hematology, therapeutic radiology, surgical and pediatric. ASCO members include physicians, oncology nurses and other health care professionals who specialize in oncology.

ASCO is committed to the following:

• IMPROVING cancer care and prevention;
• ADVANCING the education of physicians and other professionals in the care of patients with cancer and supporting the development of clinical cancer researchers;
• FOSTERING communication among cancer-related medical subspecialties and the exchange of a wide range of ideas related to cancer, including its biology, prevention, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and psychosocial impact;
• ADVOCATING public policy that ensures patient access to high-quality cancer care and that supports increased clinical cancer research;
• ASSISTING oncologists in addressing the challenges of the modern-day practice of oncology.

ASCO was founded in 1964 when a group of physician members from the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) felt the need to create an organization dedicated specifically to the challenges of oncology. ASCO is governed by a board of 19 volunteers and conducts a majority of its business through its 22 volunteer committees.

For more information about ASCO, call 1-703-299-0150 during regular office hours, contact ASCO via e-mail at asco@asco.org, or visit ASCO's Web site at www.asco.org.

ASCO Annual Conference

The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Annual Meeting is the premier annual educational and scientific event for health care professionals practicing in oncology.

ASCO's 2006 Annual meeting will be held June 2 - 6, 2006, in Atlanta, Georgia. The 2005 ASCO Annual Meeting was held May 13 - 17, 2005, in Orlando, Florida. Visit the ASCO Web site for more information.