The 8^th Muscat International Oncology Conference began at the Hotel Crowne Plaza Muscat yesterday Wednesday under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Saidi, Minister of Health in the presence of Dr. Qasim al-Salim, Director General of the Royal Hospital.

The two-day conference is hosted by the National Oncology Center in the Royal Hospital. This year, it gathers around 350 delegates from Oman, Italy, India, UAE, Albania, Qatar, and Bahrain.

The conference covers several topics especially the most common cancers in Oman, such as breast cancer, as well as the gastro intestinal malignancies. It also discusses the supportive care, medical radiation physics and nursing oncology.

Dr. Bassim al-Bahrani, Director of National Oncology Center and Chairman of the Organizing Committee pointed out that this annual event reflects the vision and commitment of the Ministry of Health against cancer disease. He also added that the National Oncology Center is now entering its 14^th year of activities and offers comprehensive oncology services with fully established departments of Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology & inputs from Surgery and surgical specialty divisions.

The second day of the conference will discuss various issues including; immunotherapy, lung cancer, radiotherapy and general oncology.