Welcome and Introduction

1. Welcome and Introduction The dramatic increase in life expectancy and steady ageing of global population means that there are more opportunities for cancer. In developing countries, the population in frequencies of cancer are expected to at least double during the next 30 years. In developed countries, the perspective varies in relation to tumour sites, but the total figure is also expected to increase. The defense of a longer life and life expectancy in good health includes the institution of programs of prevention against cancer. Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of death from cancer, but the digestive system is a major contributor; indeed the next more frequent sites causing cancer mortality are in digestive system. If the annual number of new cases of some cancer disease is higher than the number of deaths from that disease, it means that many patients are cured; as an example the number of new cases of breast cancer in female is much higher than the death toll in a year. In contrast when cure is unusual, the gap between the two figures is much smaller. This occurs with lung and most digestive tumours. Most of them are detected at an advanced stage when symptomatic; the disease is not localized and chances of cure are reduced.

2. Welcome and Introduction (2) Primary prevention aims to suppress the environmental causes of cancer, thus inhibiting cancerogenesis. However, the multiple and non specific environmental causes are influenced by uncontrollable socio-economic factors. This is why a priority is usually given by health authorities to secondary prevention programs; detection and treatment at the early stages of the development: either a premalignant lesion or early cancer. Only this strategy may decrease the annual number of new cases of cancers. Early detection in uncomplaining persons is possible only by chance or through mass screening strategy. The Mediterranean Task Force for Cancer Control (MTCC) was established on October 4th 2005 (in Taormina, Italy) as non profit International Association, open to representatives of The Mediterranean bordering countries, in order to implement guidelines and actions for tumour prevention, screening strategies and modern treatment in their countries.

3. Welcome and Introduction (3) After the first founding meeting in Taormina, Italy, the second in Istanbul, Turkay, the third in Roma, Italy, and the fourth in Dead Sea, Jordan, the five meeting was held in Split, Croatia, from 7 to 8 March 2008. on behalf of the Croatian Society of Gastroenterology and Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Republic of Croatia, Sixteen participants from ten Mediterranean countries (Albania, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Morocco, Slovenia, Tunisia, Turkey and USA) discussed primarily about implementation of national programs for cancer control in the Mediterranean countries, about cancer epidemiology and proposals for national public initiatives aimed to cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis acknowledges by MTCC in participating countries, results of ongoing programs in various countries, what MTCC can do for a Cancer Center and a Non Governmental Organisation in developing countries, as well as about futures MTCC projects. Except with important and fruitful work, all participants were delighted with beautiful surrounding of old town Split, hospitality and interesting social program. Professor  Miroslava Katicic University Hospital MerkurZagreb, Croatia