Major gathering of Chinese and UK cancer experts

International Cancer Conference "an important opportunity to renew our efforts to combat cancer," says Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales

World-renowned cancer scientists from across the UK and China will convene in Cardiff's National Museum of Wales today to discuss new strategies in the fight against cancer.

The China–United Kingdom International Cancer Conference is hosted by the University, together with Peking University, Capital Medical University and Yiling Group.

The two-day event will bring together speakers and distinguished representatives from China and the UK to share best practice in clinical, translational and basic research in cancer. Experts will be invited to present scientific breakthroughs, exchange knowledge and discuss current challenges.

Collaborations between Chinese institutions and the University have to date resulted in a number of significant research breakthroughs.

These include the development of an alternative approach to treating lung cancer; a new method for managing the spread of ovarian and stomach cancer; and the identification of new biological clues to predict the likely course of disease in patients with pituitary tumours.

Delegates will be welcomed by Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, and Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor of the University.

Carwyn Jones said: "This event will showcase the impact of partnership working across international borders. Not only is it a valuable contribution to the UK–China relationship, but it is another link in the increasingly strong and active relationship that is developing between Wales and China, something to which I attach great importance."

Cardiff's Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan said, "This conference will provide an important opportunity to renew our efforts to combat cancer. Understanding the healthcare systems in both countries will help highlight strengths and identify the key challenges both now and in the future.

"Since the last conference hosted in Beijing, we have seen many notable achievements including joint research findings, student exchange initiatives, and enhanced collaboration. This is an important partnership and we are grateful for the support of everyone involved."

It is hoped that the international conference will act as a catalyst and platform to build on the exchange programme between Cardiff and China, consider new areas of research to focus on, and showcase new innovations such as diagnosis technology.

The conference chairmen, Professor Lu (President of Capital Medical University) and Professor Ji (President of Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute) expressed their hopes for the 2015 event.

Professor Lu said: "I hope this conference can become a worldwide, influential academic platform for oncology research," with Professor Ji adding, "I hope it is not only a grand event for academic exchange, but also a great opportunity to share our philosophy and values, strengthen mutual trust and further expand our partnership."Director of the University's Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Professor Wen G. Jiang, said: "This is a real opportunity to bring together the best cancer minds. We will use this international platform as an opportunity to renew and develop research links to tackle cancer and strengthen the international effort in the fight against cancer."