The following text appeared in the first issue of the OECI Newsletter and was written
by the first Chairman of the OECI, Professor Heinrich Wrba (Austria).
The major Cancer Institutes of Europe often have long histories and traditions dating
back to the last century. Political problems, differences in economy, and the fact
that more than 20 different languages are spoken, provided a far from favourable
background for developing international cooperation and understanding of mutual
challenges in approaches to cancer issues.Nevertheless far-sighted oncologists in
many countries of Europe tried for a long time to establish working links and multilateral
cooperation among European Institutes to increase the European working efficiency.
Most of such early attempts were frustrated and only favourable cases ended at best
in bilateral agreements.
On the other hand, the Association of American Cancer Institutes, which was founded
in 1959, was favoured by a common language and a common national administration.
This Organization has proved to be an efficient mechanism in stimulating oncological programmes
all over the country.
More recently regional organizations of cancer institutes and other bodies involved in the
fight against cancer were established in Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.
This growing tendency towards regionalization, with the resulting benefits for improved
cooperation, provided an added stimulus and sense of urgency among European institute directors
to develop closer working links.
As a result, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Cancer Research Institute in Vienna
in 1977 the President of the UICC, Professor P. Denoix, convened a historic meeting of European
institute directors.
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