New Year's Greetings from the Chairman

New Year's Greetings from the Chairman

I would like to extend my sincere New Year’s greetings to all our members. As we welcome 2026, I hope the year begins with renewed hope and positive spirit for everyone. As Chairman of the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO), I am committed to working with you to open new horizons in cancer care and advance our mission.

The year 2026 corresponds to Hinoe-Uma (丙午). “Hinoe” represents the emergence of strong, bright energy, while “Uma (the Horse)” symbolizes vitality and forward movement. Combined, Hinoe-Uma is regarded as a year in which achievements become visible and momentum for further progress accelerates—a year of tangible growth and new possibilities in cancer medicine.

This year, under the vision of “JSCO (Gan Chi) has empowered Japan and the world,” we will further strengthen the foundations of our Society and enhance its academic value. We will diversify our membership structure by newly introducing “Public Members” and “International Members,” while implementing a substantial membership fee discount program for Young Members under 30 y/o. These initiatives aim to create a more inclusive environment for all stakeholders involved in cancer care. Furthermore, our official journal, the International Journal of Clinical Oncology (IJCO), is expected to gain greater international visibility through various new initiatives launched since 2024, contributing to future improvements in its impact factor. In parallel, JSCO will continue to develop key academic outputs—including position papers on MRD testing, gene panel testing, nuclear medicine therapy, and Lynch syndrome—to further advance oncology practice in Japan.

Human resource development and societal engagement remain central missions of JSCO. The newly established Certified Oncology CRC System, together with fellowships, travel grants, research funding, and the “Rising Star Networking” initiative, will continue to foster the next generation of global leaders in oncology. In addition, we are strengthening our outreach to the public through the JSCO official YouTube channel “GanTube,” nationwide television programs, and enhanced social media activities, thereby providing reliable cancer information to society. JSCO is also contributing to national health policy, actively participating in discussions on the cancer care delivery system for 2040, and helping shape a sustainable framework in which the entire society can better face cancer.

Guided by the spirit of Hinoe-Uma - “bright development” and “vigorous advancement” - let us continue shaping the future of cancer treatment together. I wish you all good health, success, and a truly fulfilling year ahead.

Thank you for your continued support.

Takayuki Yoshino, Chairman
Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (Gan Chi)