About Us
The British Association of Surgical Oncology – The Association for Cancer Surgery (BASO–ACS / BASO) is the umbrella organisation representing surgical specialties involved in the care of people with malignant disease.
The Association was founded in 1971 by Ronald Raven, a pioneering surgical oncologist. It was established as a forum for surgical research, education, and training, with the aim of improving outcomes for patients with cancer.
Today, BASO represents cancer surgeons and healthcare professionals across the UK and Ireland who are involved in the surgical care of cancer patients, and its influence extends internationally through collaboration, leadership, and advocacy in cancer surgery. From 2006 to 2023, BASO chaired the Cancer Services Committee based at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and helped inform the College’s strategy for cancer surgery. In 2025, BASO founded the 'National Committee for Cancer Surgery (NCCS)', an independent group with senior representation from all 12 UK surgical societies, 4 Royal Colleges of Surgery and other important stakeholders including the Royal College of Radiologists and Royal College of Pathologists.
Objectives and Activities
The Charity’s objectives are to:
- Advance the science, practice, and art of surgical oncology for the benefit of patients with cancer
- Promote research, training, and education in surgical oncology for the benefit of the public, patients, and the wider medical community
- Disseminate research findings and best practice appropriately to improve standards of cancer care
The Association also seeks to act as an umbrella organisation for professionals working across all surgical cancer specialties, fostering collaboration, leadership, and excellence in cancer surgery. It also acts as Sponsor of important clinical trials in all subspecialties of surgical oncology.
Become a Member
OUR MEMBERS
The Association brings together a vibrant and inclusive community of surgeons, surgical trainees, cancer nurse specialists, and AHPs dedicated to improving the care of people with cancer. We also warmly welcome medical students who are inspired to pursue a future career in surgical oncology, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and grow within a supportive professional network.
EJSO – our in-house Journal
The EJSO, the official journal of BASO and ESSO (European Society of Surgical Oncology), is a leading platform for advancing surgical oncology research and practice. It features original research, reviews, editorials, debates, and correspondence, keeping the global oncology community at the forefront of innovation. Proceeds of our Annual Meetings including abstracts, are published in the EJSO.
BASO members enjoy exclusive access to the EJSO, ensuring they stay informed of the latest developments and breakthroughs in cancer surgery. Members of BASO and ESSO also receive a 30% discount on open access publication fees, supporting wider dissemination of their research.