WELCOME FROM THE CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN

The emerging discovery of the genes responsible for familial bowel cancer, and the elucidation of environmental effects such as diet, has opened doors to the understanding of cancer in general and promises new avenues of treatment developed through this understanding.

This is an exciting and influential area of cancer research in which advances are being made rapidly. The meeting brings together the two international groups committed to familial bowel cancer, and through them, a broad body of scientific knowledge focussed on the understanding and management of bowel cancer. This is an opportunity for all interested to walk with the 'cutting edge' of scientific endeavour in this important cancer area. The meeting will be of interest to surgeons, gastroenterologists, genetists, registry personnel, psychologists, ethicists and basic scientists in the cancer arena.

The twin venues of Lorne and Melbourne offer some of the best of the Australian climate (in March) summer atmosphere, culture, cuisine and scenic beauty. I invite you to join us and participate in this meeting, which on this occasion, has been opened to a broad scientific audience.

Dr Finlay Macrae
Conference Chairman