UF to host worldwide breast cancer symposium

Breast cancer experts from around the world will share and compare advances in breast-imaging technologies for cancer detection, as well as new treatment strategies, at the University of Florida's 8th annual Multidisciplinary Symposium on Breast Disease, opening Feb. 13 at the Ritz-Carlton at Amelia Island.

Shahla Masood, M.D., a professor and associate chairwoman of pathology at the UF Health Science Center/Jacksonville, where she also directs the Breast Health Center, is founding director and host of the popular educational program. Sessions will begin with pre-symposium workshops the afternoon of Feb. 13 and end at noon Feb. 16.

Opening the conference on Feb. 14, American Medical Association President Yank Coble Jr., M.D., will discuss issues related to access to medical care. At 7:30 p.m. the same day, Umberto Veronesi, M.D., scientific director of the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy, will present a keynote address titled Recent Advances in Breast Cancer Management.

Six of UF's leading surgical and medical experts in breast cancer treatment will share the podium with specialists from prominent university-based cancer centers nationwide.

The program is sponsored by the UF Health Science Center/Jacksonville in association with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and AstraZeneca and in cooperation with the UF Shands Cancer Center, the Breast Health Center at Shands Jacksonville, the International Society of Breast Pathology, the Breast Journal and the World Society of Breast Health.

To register online, visit the symposium Web site at http://cme.ufl.edu. For information, contact Masood at 655 W. 8th St., Jacksonville, FL 32209, or call her office at (904) 244-4387.