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Home›Conferences›Cancer early detection and oncology research›The Early Detection of Cancer Conference 2026
Cancer early detection and oncology research · Annual Conference

The Early Detection of Cancer Conference 2026

Organised by the Cancer Research UK and OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Dates6–8 Oct 2026
LocationEdinburgh, United Kingdom
Trainee£310
A three-day international cancer early-detection research conference in Edinburgh, with keynote talks, panels, posters, lightning talks, poster pitches and structured networking.
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Register
Reviewed byDr Robert BaxterDr Robert Baxter· Junior Clinical Fellow, Acute Medical Unit· Updated 16 Jul 2026
At a glance
NetworkingThe agenda includes structured networking, exhibition breaks, poster sessions, a…View detail

The agenda includes structured networking, exhibition breaks, poster sessions, a networking reception, a trainee dinner and a main networking dinner.

Research ValueAbstracts can be considered for posters, poster pitches and lightning…View detail

Abstracts can be considered for posters, poster pitches and lightning talks across the conference session themes.

Trainee RelevanceStudent and trainee registration is GBP 310, and the programme…View detail

Student and trainee registration is GBP 310, and the programme includes emerging-researcher flash talks, poster pitches, poster viewing and a trainee dinner.

ProgrammeSchedule and session highlights
Key Themes
Emerging trends in cancer riskDigital technology and multimodal integrationCancer screening and MCED testsBiology and models of early cancerEarly-career researcher posters and lightning talksPatient-focused early detection
07:45
Registration
Registration, networking and poster set-up
09:15
Keynote
Keynote addresskeynote
Faisal Mahmood
10:30
Session
Cancer screening and the role of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests
Elizabeth O'Donnell; Harry J de Koning
12:05
Flash talks
Emerging researchers' flash talks - Cancer screening and MCED tests
13:30
Networking
Structured networking session
14:20
Session
Patient-focused session
15:50
Session
Biology and models of early cancer
Owen Sansom; Samra Turajlic
17:25
Flash talks
Emerging researchers' flash talks - Biology and models of early cancer
19:15
Dinner
Trainee dinner
SpeakersKeynotes and featured experts
Keynote
FM
Faisal Mahmood
Harvard Medical School
Keynote address
Keynote
MR
Monique Roobol
Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam
Prostate cancer early detection and the importance of working together
Keynote
SJ
Sam Janes
University College London
Lung cancer - the exemplar of why early detection and interception should dominate research funding with biology as the core
EO
Elizabeth O'Donnell
Harvard University
Cancer screening and MCED tests co-chair
HJ
Harry J de Koning
Department of Public Health
Cancer screening and MCED tests co-chair
HR
Hilary Robbins
International Agency for Research on Cancer
Panel speaker and emerging trends co-chair
MT
Matthew Thompson
Google Health
Digital technology and multimodal integration co-chair
MC
Mireia Crispin-Ortuzar
University of Cambridge
Digital technology and multimodal integration co-chair
AC
Allen Chan
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Panel speaker
CT
Clare Turnbull
Institute of Cancer Research
Emerging trends in cancer risk speaker
HL
Hans Lilja
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Panel speaker
PC
Phil Castle
National Cancer Institute
Panel chair
AbstractsClosed · 28 Jun 2026
Abstract submissions are closed
Deadline: 28 June 2026
What You Can Submit
posterposter pitchlightning talk
Submission Specifications
Language
Abstracts must be written and presented in English
Figures Tables
Images and diagrams should not be submitted
Character Limit
2,500 characters including blank spaces and punctuation
Submission Count
No stated restriction on the number of submissions
Notification Date
Applicants will be notified of acceptance from 3 August 2026
Selection Criteria
Relevance to early detection, originality and innovation, feasibility, and quality of science
Presenter Requirement
Presenting author must be registered at the time of the conference to present
Categories & Recommended Topics
Cancer screening and MCED tests
Biology and models of early cancer
Emerging trends in cancer risk
Digital technology and multimodal integration
Costs & registrationTrainee tickets £310
CategoryPrice
Standard registration£430
Trainee / IMT£310
Medical student£310
Dates & deadlines3 key dates
28 Jun 2026
Abstract submission deadline
2 Oct 2026 · 78 days
Registration deadline
6 Oct 2026 · 82 days
Conference begins
Venue & travelEdinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) · Edinburgh
WarningThe organiser warns about fraudulent travel and accommodation emails and says official communications will come from Cancer Research UK or its appointed travel provider.
AccommodationThe official location page lists nearby hotels including Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket, Point A Hotel Edinburgh and Hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket.
Venue DetailsEdinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), The Exchange, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, UK.
International TravelInternational attendees are directed to check UK electronic travel authorisation requirements for travel from April 2025.
MedicMess tips6 practical tips

MedicMess Tips

  • Submit abstracts by 28 June 2026; applicants are notified from 3 August 2026.
  • Presenting authors must be registered by the conference to present accepted work.
  • Lightning talk presenters receive free registration or a refund if already paid.
  • Eventbrite structured data shows ticket availability ending on 2 October 2026.
  • A trainee dinner is scheduled on Tuesday evening, separate from the main networking dinner on Wednesday.
  • Check UK ETA requirements if travelling internationally.
Complete guideFull MedicMess editorial briefing

The Early Detection of Cancer Conference 2026 is a three-day in-person meeting for clinicians, researchers and translational scientists working on cancer risk, screening, biology and early-detection technologies. The official agenda includes keynote addresses, panels, great-debate style sessions, emerging-researcher flash talks, poster viewing, structured networking and conference dinners. Abstract submission is open for posters, poster pitches and lightning talks, with a deadline of 28 June 2026. The published guidance sets a 2,500-character text limit, requires English-language submissions, excludes images and diagrams, and confirms that selected lightning-talk presenters receive free registration. Registration is open through Eventbrite, with visible fees of GBP 310 for students/trainees, GBP 430 for academic, clinician, not-for-profit and healthcare professional attendees, GBP 1,550 for industry, GBP 150 for LMIC attendees, and limited free patient/public places. Eventbrite structured data shows registration availability ending on 2 October 2026. The venue is EICC in central Edinburgh, with nearby hotel suggestions and UK ETA advice for international attendees.