I'd like to take this opportunity to announce that the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association will be holding its 90th Annual Meeting at the Pacifico Yokohama (Yokohama Minato-Mirai) for three days, from March 7th (Wed.) to 9th (Fri.) 2018.

The age-adjusted incidence rate of gastric cancer has been decreasing, but the reduction of incidence rate is small. Presently, approximately 50,000 Japanese still die from gastric cancer every year. The cumulative lifetime risk of gastric cancer mortality is 4% for men and 2% for women, which cannot be regarded as satisfactory.

The Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer, which is the predecessor of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association, was established in 1962, and later developed into the present association. Its mission statement was "To conduct research on gastric cancer and promote its diagnosis and treatment." Although today, prevention may be added, the original purpose remains the same.

The meeting of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association is an important opportunity for its members to assemble, publish research results on gastric cancer, and share new advancement.

During this meeting, we will provide you with ample time to revisit the starting point of the Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer, and fully discuss what you, the members of the association, have been continually researching, which is "What to do to prevent death from cancer" including subjects from prevention to treatment. As one of the missions of this association, we need to positively spread abroad the excellent methods of diagnosis and treatment developed in Japan. At the same time, we will make every possible effort to provide overseas doctors with opportunities to participate in discussions.

We will try our best to make the meeting productive. Your further assistance and support will be highly appreciated.

Hitoshi Katai, M.D., Ph.D,
Congress President,
90th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association
(Department of Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital)