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President of Estonia to the 1st Baltic Congress of Oncology and Radiology October 12, 1994
12.10.1994

Mr Chairman /Ms Chairperson,
Ladies and Gentlemen!


Allow me, in the name of the Republic of Estonia, to welcome you to the Baltic Congress of Oncology and Radiology.

I have no doubt that your Congress will give a fresh impetus for a wider cooperation between the oncologists of the Baltic states and their European and American colleagues. Despite the iron curtain of the Russian occupation our traditional ties with European academic sciences dating back to the 14th century could be sustained and, as far as oncology is concerned, effectively upgraded by Professor Pavel Bogovski. One of the prerequisites for the return of the Baltic states to the fold of Europe now is that besides consumer goods there should be qualitative unity ruling scientific output, academic research, public health and the environment all over our common cultural and economic region. I should hope that the first priority of your Congress will be the formulation of precise, ultimate yet realistic goals in the prevention and treatment of oncological diseases.

The first place among the causes of death in Estonia is held by the diseases of the heart and blood vessels, followed by cancerous diseases. These diseases are first and foremost caused by people's negligence toward their own health: insufficient physical exercise, monotonous nutrition, and smoking. Many of us fail to make themselves conscious of the significance of their health, and expect doctors to work miracles when it is already too late. There are some achievements in the line of changing the previous way of life thanks to the Estonian Cancer Union where specialists are assisted by volunteers, mainly those who have seen the grievous disease touch themselves or their loved ones. That is good, but it is far from enough.

As the patron of the 1st Baltic Congress of Oncology and Radiology, I wish you stamina for planning joint activities in cancer prevention. Permit me to assign a sum equal to the President's monthly salary from the President's Cultural Foundation to support the Cancer Union, and to express my hope that this example will induce other sponsors. Bound as your work is with anxiety and hope, may hope gain the upper hand.

Lennart Meri
President of the Republic of Estonia

Kadriorg, October 12, 1994

 

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