Vicki Durston: My first MASCC conference was truly special
Vicki Durston, President of the General Assembly at
“As my first MASCC conference hosted in Lille, France and as new member, what became clear, and was truly special was the ability to connect with these incredible researchers, advocates, clinicians and leaders in cancer supportive care.
Everyone I met and spoke to, dedicate their work to want to see improved outcomes for those diagnosed and living with cancer.
Many refer to it as the MASCC family, and I can see why. The kindness shown through support of one another’s work, and celebrating the wins of others, it is quite unlike anything I have experienced.
There are a few people missing from these photos that I wanted to make mention, Dorothy Keefe, CEO, Cancer Australia who shared with me what MASCC means to her, as the very first female president of MASCC , a few years back.
Raymond Chan from Australia and Joanne Bowen, the next MASCC Seattle and Melbourne event Chair who is leading the way. Nicolas Hart, who spoke brilliantly about translating what we know into sustainable cancer care. Spending time with past Cabrini colleagues Jacqui Hastings and Suzanne Eerhard, was a highlight.
Thanks to Vivienne Milch for your support as I tried to navigate the headsets in an unfamiliar speaking environment, during a very busy poster session and wing man at the presidents dinner.
Admiration goes out to international leaders such as Maryam Lustberg, supporting advocacy, Larissa Nekhlyudov, Hope Rugo and the inspiring Don S. Dizon talking about the impacts of those from the LGBTIQ+ community.
Admiring the work of Hannah Jongebloed, Anna Ugalde, and a leader in her field, Hannah Wardill truly had me leaving inspired.
Thankyou to Fran Boyle, Andrea Smith for your support during the advocacy session. So much to consider with the incredible findings from the global study related to exercise outcomes for those with MBC led by Eva Zopf from Australia and Anne May, the and the work by David Mizrahi and meeting Judith Lacey.
And although fleeting it was great to see Christobel Saunders and having great discussions about consumer engagement with Bogda Koczwara and meeting up with Michael Jefford.
My international friends on the ABC Global Alliance, Eva Schumacher-Wulf and Renate Haidinger did a fantastic job on the panel and Christine Boers from the Netherlands continues to lead the way discussing the importance of patient empowerment as a global nurse leader.
With The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) next meeting in Seattle and Melbourne 2026 Melissa Chin and Joanne Bowen will be leading the way and I look forward to ensuring we all support more incredible outcomes that can become standard of care for those with cancer.”
Source: Vicki Durston/LinkedIn
