1976-2026

Celebrating 50 years of progress in oncology

In 2026, the Belgian Society of Medical Oncology (BSMO) celebrates 50 years of advancing cancer care. During the 28th Annual BSMO Meeting in Brussels, this milestone was celebrated. It was a moment to reflect, to connect, and to look ahead.

To mark this occasion, we brought together oncology experts in a series of in-depth (duo) interviews. Across different tumour types, these conversations explore how oncology has evolved over the past five decades, from limited treatment options to one of the most innovative and rapidly advancing fields in medicine.

The discussions highlight not only scientific breakthroughs and paradigm shifts, but also the human impact behind the progress: longer survival, improved quality of life, and new hope for patients. At the same time, they address the pressing challenges facing Belgian oncology today: rising cancer prevalence, increasing complexity of care, and the sustainability of innovation.

By connecting expertise and facilitating meaningful dialogue, we aim to support the oncology community in reflecting on the past and shaping the future of cancer care.

Explore the stories. Discover the evolution. Be inspired by what lies ahead.

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50 years of BSMO

Prof Dr Evandro de Azambuja

Breast cancer in Belgium: past, present, and future

Prof Dr Martine Piccart and Dr Elisa Agostinetto 

Geriatric oncology over the years: evolution and key insights

Dr Lore Decoster and Cindy Kenis 

Gastric and oesophageal cancer: progress over the years

Dr Willem Lybaert and Dr Filip Van Herpe 

Evolution of gynaecological cancers

Prof Dr Hannelore Denys & Prof Dr Jean-François Baurain

50 years of breast cancer care in Belgium: what has changed?

Prof Dr Hans Wildiers & Dr Kevin Punie

The evolution of cancer research: three key aspects

Prof Dr Christine Desmedt

Lung cancer through the years: evolution and insights

Prof Dr Mariana Brandao & Dr Anouk Goudsmit

The evolution of gastrointestinal oncology

Prof Dr Joëlle Collignon & Dr Wim Demey

Breast cancer research in young women

Prof Dr Elisa Agnostinetto & Dr Luca Arecco

The evolution of medical oncology and uro-oncology

Prof Dr Sylvie Rottey & Dr Barbara Brouwers

Breast cancer through the years

Prof François Duhoux & Dr Caroline Duhem & Dr Donatienne Taylor

Neuro-endocrine tumours and carcinomas in Belgium: evolution through the years

Prof Dr Timon Vandamme & Dr Siddharth Chhajlani

Melanoma over the years: progress and perspectives

Prof Dr Jean-François Baurain & Dr Celine Jacobs

Supportive care and survivorship over the years

Dr Christel Fontaine & Dr Christine Langenaeken

Sarcoma: a changing landscape in oncology

Prof Dr Christine Gennigens & Dr Evelyne Roets