Larynx Cancer whilst declining in frequency in the western world is still a major problem in the developing world. The increasing and ageing population however is such that larynx cancer is going to be with us for many years. Considerable progress has been made in managing this malignancy since the last World Congress in 1994. Laser resection is an accepted modality, with surgical resection performed robotically now attracting considerable interest. Radiotherapy remains a major component of treatment approaches around the world, increasingly used with added chemotherapy/biological agents, be it prior to and/or during the treatment. It is however well recognised now that preservation of an anatomical larynx doesn’t necessarily relate to the retention of a functioning larynx.

The theme of this World Congress will be to cover the aspects of improvement in our management, define those components where the progress has been minimal, and focus strongly on the functional aspects of the patients we treat. Do these patients cope adequately with speech and swallowing post treatment?

This is a Congress aimed at all those involved in the care of these patients, not only at presentation, but in the years afterwards as well.

Cairns is a major population centre in the north of Australia, well connected to international air routes. Whilst the Congress is in mid- winter in Australia, at this latitude the temperatures in July are warm during the day and very pleasant at night. Cairns is the gateway to two major World Heritage Environmental Areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical Daintree Rainforest Region. Visiting these areas will top off a great learning experience.