In 1979, Dr. Hiroshi Kobayashi, conceived the idea of the Sapporo Cancer Seminar (SCS) to provide greater opportunities for cancer researchers to share their knowledge in a relaxed but academic atmosphere.

SCS was first held in Sapporo in 1981, and in 1983 it established itself as a foundation, with the support of businesses, pharmaceutical organizations, and the general public.

Since 1987,a summer seminar has been a twice-yearly event, in February and July. It deals with basic aspects of cancer research, while the winter seminar, which is scheduled to coincide with Sapporo's Snow Festival, an internationally famous event that concentrates upon cancer-related clinical investigations.

Since 1987, SCS has been full UICC member.