#Japan #Tokyo #gastric cancer #Debbie's Dream #Symposium

International Gastric Cancer Educational Symposium in Tokyo

On November 15, 2025, Tokyo will host the highly anticipated International Gastric Cancer Educational Symposium. This pivotal event is organized by Debbie's Dream Foundation, in collaboration with the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research and Kibounokai. It aims to enhance awareness and education surrounding gastric cancer, a significant health concern globally, especially in Asia.

Event Details

The symposium will be held at the Yoshida Memorial Auditorium, part of the renowned Cancer Institute of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research. Running from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM JST, the event promises a rich agenda featuring sessions tailored to patients, caregivers, and medical professionals alike.

Key Objectives

The focal point of the symposium is to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders in the gastric cancer landscape. Attendees will include leading experts, patient advocates, and survivors coming together to discuss advancements in research, treatment options, and advocacy strategies. This collaboration seeks to strengthen networks of support and to enhance the quality of care for those affected by gastric cancer.

Expert Insights

Dr. Takeshi Sano, the Hospital Director and Symposium Chair, emphasized the critical importance of the event in addressing the challenges posed by gastric cancer. He stated, "Gastric cancer remains one of the world's most pressing health challenges, particularly in Asia, where prevalence is high. This symposium is an opportunity to bring together patients, advocates, and physicians to learn from each other, share innovations, and build momentum for global collaboration."

Similarly, Dr. Han-Kwang Yang, President of the National Cancer Center in Korea, expressed the necessity of cross-border knowledge sharing in advancing gastric cancer research and care. "Japan has long been a leader in gastric cancer research and care, but we know that progress is accelerated when patients, doctors, and advocates share knowledge across borders. Hosting this symposium in Tokyo provides a vital platform to elevate patient voices, highlight new research, and strengthen international collaboration in the fight against this disease," he explained.

Multilingual Participation

To ensure inclusivity, the symposium will provide interpretation services, enabling participation from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This step aims to bridge barriers and empower more individuals to join in this critical conversation about gastric cancer.

Support from the Industry

The event receives generous support from prominent sponsors, including Amgen, AstraZeneca, and Bristol Myers Squibb, highlighting the industry's commitment to improving outcomes for gastric cancer patients. Additional backing comes from Kibounokai sponsors: Boehringer Ingelheim, Daiichi-Sankyo, Pfizer, Roche, MSD, and Chugai.

About Debbie's Dream Foundation

Debbie's Dream Foundation Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to raise awareness about gastric cancer. Founded in honor of Debbie Zelman, who was diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer, DDF strives to advance research funding and provide invaluable support to patients, families, and caregivers. The foundation aims to realize the dream of finding a cure for gastric cancer and has formed a Scientific and Medical Advisory Board comprising world-renowned doctors to guide its mission.

For more information and to register for the symposium, please visit Debbie's Dream Foundation.

Join us in Tokyo to contribute to this vital conversation and play a part in advancing the fight against gastric cancer.