Benidorm inaugurates the 2nd Anémona Congress: ‘Let’s talk about cancer… without fear’

Benidorm inaugurated the 2nd Anémona Congress this afternoon, under the motto "Let's talk about cancer... without fear," a space for reflection, information, and awareness. The event, with free admission until capacity is reached, brings together healthcare professionals, sports and nutrition experts, representatives from various institutions, and personal accounts to address breast cancer from a holistic perspective.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, and the Councillor for Social Welfare, Ángela Zaragozí, along with other members of the municipal council and regional deputies José Ramón González de Zárate and Mario Villar.

The congress addresses topics ranging from the hospital environment to surgical and oncological advances, physical activity as a therapeutic support, nutrition, and the importance of cosmetic procedures during recovery. It also gives a voice to patients and professionals who share their firsthand experiences.

After the organisers welcomed the attendees, the mayor took the floor to “applaud and thank Anémona for their work.” He recalled that when the congress motto, “Let’s talk about cancer… without fear,” was chosen, it highlighted “the courage” of people who, like the members of Anémona, decided to “move forward and overcome” cancer, and the encouragement they demonstrate to society when facing the disease “with more and better information.”

Toni Pérez emphasised the importance of public healthcare, “which all Spaniards pay for,” and its need for resources so that, when illness strikes, we have “a kind doctor and a well-prepared centre that provides the best possible care.” The mayor concluded his remarks by once again thanking Anémona for its support “to women and men who have found refuge there” during its more than two decades of presence in Benidorm and the surrounding area.

The congress then continued with presentations by José Vidal, a personal trainer and teacher, and Dr Omar Hernández, a researcher. The day concluded with a round table discussion entitled "Cancer and the Hospital Environment," featuring Dr Manuel Santos (oncologist), Dr Alejandro Trujillo (palliative care specialist), and José Vicente Pascual (director of the Public Health Centre in Benidorm).

Tomorrow's program, Saturday, November 29

9:30 a.m. – The Future of Cancer Treatments. Opening presentation by Ángel Guerrero, breast cancer specialist at the Valencian Institute of Oncology (IVO).

10:15 a.m. – Oncological Surgery: Advances and Challenges. Presented by Dr Fernando Carbonell, attending physician in the General and Digestive Surgery Department at the IVO.

11:00 a.m. – The Importance of Aesthetic Interventions in Oncology. Presentation by Yolanda Espinosa, specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Master's in Comprehensive Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Medicine.

12:00 p.m. – Roundtable Discussion “360 Experiences”. Participants: Ángela Zaragozí, Councillor for Equality and Welfare of Benidorm City Council; Jessica Sanchís, psycho-oncologist; and Carmen Izquierdo and Verónica García, cancer survivors and members of Anémona.

The closing ceremony of this second Anémona congress will then take place, led by its president, María Botella.

Anémona
Anémona Marina Baixa is a regional non-profit association founded in 2002. It supports women affected by breast and gynaecological cancer, as well as their families, offering emotional support, therapeutic activities, and care based on a holistic approach to health. With over 500 members, it has become a leading organisation thanks to its close relationships, commitment, and compassionate and specialised work.