The burden of cancer is projected to rise exponentially in many parts of the world and represents an impending global health crisis unless we act with urgency. Major organisations have recognised cancer as one of the greatest challenges in human health and are working together to address this global crisis.

In this spirit of cooperation and in collaboration with world-renowned cancer organisations including the European Cancer Organisation, the American Society for Clinical Oncology, the European School of Oncology and the US National Cancer Institute, the All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI) and National Cancer Control Programme will co-host a Joint Euro-American Forum on Cancer in the Official State Residence in Farmleigh House, Dublin on April 25th and 26th 2024.

The timing of this event is extremely significant, being hosted on the island of Ireland during the 25th Anniversary of the Ireland - Northern Ireland - US National Cancer Institute Cancer Consortium, a tripartite initiative which is the major health dividend of the Good Friday Agreement. This Cancer Consortium enhanced cancer research and care on the island of Ireland during the last two and a half decades, saving many lives.

A second important anniversary also occurs this year, the 20th Anniversary of the Introduction of the Smoking Ban in the Workplace in Ireland, the first country in world to introduce what became a global public health initiative on the 29th March 2004.

Since the autumn of 2020, the All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI) which builds on the remarkable success of the Cancer Consortium has made significant strides towards its vision of delivering an overarching framework for cancer research that will offer benefit for all citizens on the island of Ireland. Thus, it is fitting that the island of Ireland will host such a strategically important event as this Euro-American Forum on Cancer.

This landmark occasion will bring together globally recognised clinical and academic leaders and key relevant policy makers, political figures, and patient advocates, who will shape a transatlantic cancer beating agenda and deliver a series of recommendations to address the impending cancer challenge that is rapidly approaching. It will also mark the launch of European Cancer Pulse Ireland, as part of a European Cancer Organisation initiative that is defining cancer inequalities and their mitigation across Europe.

We look forward to you joining us for this unique occasion which presents an unrivalled opportunity for a new era in collaboration and cooperation, that accelerates us towards ending cancer as we know it globally.