Opening of the Symposium

Abstract

It is in a sense a coincidence rhar rhis reaching symposium is being held ar rhis rime when so much new arrenrion and new supporr is being given ro solve rhis very imporranr healrh problem—rhe problem of breasr cancer. We are forrunare indeed to have so many of the national and international leaders in the field here to share their knowledge and the results of their labors with us. It is fascinating to me in just looking at the program to see the enormous progress that has been made in the understanding of breast cancer in the past 20 years or so. It’s true that it hasn’t gone as rapidly as many of you think it should; but I believe that in the last 5 years the momentum, the interest and the interaction among scientists, teachers, and clinicians has increased to the point that progress is likely to be very swift indeed in the next decade. We are especially pleased to have all of you here for this next day and a half. I welcome you not only as the Dean of the Division and the Medical School but on behalf of the University as well. I know that each of the audience here will gain much from the presentations, and I’m convinced that even the participants will learn something from each other. I wish you well.