MASCC, or Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, is an international organisation that is dedicated to advancing supportive care after cancer. To explain that, we know that the goal of cancer control is preventing cancer recurrence and ultimately achieving cure, but we also recognise that for every person affected by cancer, good supportive care is fundamental to making sure that cancer care can be delivered effectively and safely. More importantly, as the numbers of cancer survivors are increasing, quality of life, good symptom control, and meaningful life after cancer is also part of good supportive care. 

MASCC is the organisation of over 2,000 members from over 70 countries who come together to advance research, education, policy development. One of the most exciting developments for MASCC is that as of last year we offer patient partnership membership, So not only are we interested in healthcare professionals engaging with MASCC, we actually want to work with patient partners who would bring in their own personal perspectives of what’s important for them in cancer. Those perspectives would inform how MASCC can better advocate and prioritise its work.

So I’m here because this is a meeting that brings together all stakeholders, but a very strong representation of patients, and we want to engage with them so they can advise MASCC of where we need to invest our resources.