The 79th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association (JCA 2020) will be held as a Hybrid Meeting; On-site in Hiroshima and Online. This is the second time that Hiroshima has hosted this meeting, with over twenty years having passed since the meeting was first held in 1999. We would like to renew our shared objective of realizing world peace at the meeting in the city of Hiroshima, pursuing peace without nuclear weapon.

The Japanese Cancer Association aims to promote the development of cancer research, and its final goal is to conquer cancer. Cancer research has generated new technologies and has elucidated the occurrences and outcomes of the disease. We are extremely proud of the fact that cancer investigations have also been able to disclose the mechanisms of numerous life phenomena, and have created a body of knowledge that has exerted an immense impact on other disciplines. I believe that we must be held responsible for leading the development of sustainable science.

When I started my research as a graduate student around 40 years ago, genetic analysis in human cancer began, and some of its regulatory mechanisms have been elucidated, then the importance of the cancer microenvironment has been clarified. The sequencing of the human genome advanced, and its comprehensive analysis began disclosing a dramatic number of phenomena including the significance of cancer stem cells. After 2010, NGS analysis has connected with genome medicine as genetic panel testing, and the elucidation of the immune system of cancer has been pivotal to cancer chemotherapy thanks to the innovative development of medicine. The integration and application of medical data help in the active utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer research and cancer treatment. None of the above are complete at present and it is required to examine the results, resolve the problems, and discuss for the future. Therefore, we covered these in the Special Symposium.

The primary theme of the 79th Annual Meeting is “Confronting the solid truth of cancer and working together.” To conquer cancer, it is crucial for us to observe cancer in an inclusive manner that encompasses the full gamut of scientific investigation from pathological observations to genome learning. To achieve this outcome, we must establish collaborations at varying levels: partnerships between basic and clinical medicines; cross-disciplinary approaches such as the integration of different and multiple fields of scholarship; and the forging of alliances between human and AI sciences, academia and industry, as well as survivors and scientists. At the JCA 2020, we planned a number of Joint Sessions with other Societies / Associations, and enhanced Educational Sessions and Introductory Cancer Courses to broaden the scope of cancer research. In the Panel Discussion, there will be a discussion on the ideal way of cancer research, entitled "Cancer research in the Japanese medical systems".

Due to the following two perspectives; “preventing SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection and ensuring participants’ safety” and “providing more fulfilling academic presentation and information exchange”, there will be a limit on number of on-site participants. However, online distribution (live streaming & on-demand) will be offered. We will also have a Virtual Exhibition. Unfortunately, we are not able to welcome all of you to Hiroshima, but we believe that we will show the direction of the new Meeting. We look forward to your participation.