Every year, at the European Cancer Summit, the European Cancer Organisation brings together leading oncology experts, experienced patient advocates, key opinion leaders, policy makers and politicians to discuss key issues in reducing the burden of cancer, saving, and improving the lives of patients and the public.
This year’s European Cancer Summit on 17-18 November focused on the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission’s recommendations, including through our nine Focused Topic Networks.
The European Cancer Summit is a key event in the cancer policy calendar. Our goal is to showcase the multi-stakeholder, collaborative efforts being made, to ensure tangible results. We believe this exchange will help to improve outcomes for cancer patients and raise awareness of the many significant challenges of cancer.
High-Level Speakers
You can see who joined us "on stage" here.
Sessions with Relevance & Impact
The European Cancer Summit 2021 Programme Co-Chairs Theresa Wiseman and Kathy Oliver guided the development of an impactful programme with leading speakers.
With the support of visit.brussels and the Brussels-Capital Region
Speakers
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Stella Kyriakides European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
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Andrei Baciu Secretary of State for Health, Romania
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Janez Poklukar Minister of Health, Slovenia
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Adam Vojtěch Minister of Health, Czech Republic
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Hans Kluge Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), Europe
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Emer Cooke Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Speakers
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Stella Kyriakides European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
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Andrei Baciu Secretary of State for Health, Romania
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Janez Poklukar Minister of Health, Slovenia
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Adam Vojtěch Minister of Health, Czech Republic
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Hans Kluge Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), Europe
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Emer Cooke Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (EMA)
European Cancer Summit 2021 Speakers
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Stella Kyriakides European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
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Mariya Gabriel EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, Youth and Sport Read Bio
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Véronique Trillet-Lenoir MEP Rapporteur, Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA)
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Manfred Weber MEP Chairman, EPP Group in the European Parliament
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Sara Cerdas MEP Shadow Rapporteur, EU4Health; Vice-Chair, Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA); Co-Chair, ENVI Committee Health Working Group
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Nicolae Stefanuta MEP Co-ordinator, Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA)
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Ivars Ijabs MEP Vice-Chair, Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA)
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Franco Cavalli President, World Oncology Forum (WOF), and Chair, Scientific Committee, European School of Oncology (ESO)
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Guillaume Dedet Health Economist and Policy Analyst, Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD), Health Division Read Bio
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Ceri Thompson Deputy Head of Unit eHealth, Wellbeing and Ageing, European Commission's European Commission's Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology Read Bio
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Marcis Leja EU Cancer Mission Board Member, Professor of Medicine and Vice-Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia Read Bio
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Johan De Munter President, European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS)
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Kees Roks Member, EU Cancer Mission Assembly and Head Region Europe Oncology, Novartis Pharma AG Read Bio
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Nathalie Moll Director General, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) Read Bio
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Richard Sullivan Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Cancer Policy (JCP), Director, Institute of Cancer Policy (ICP) Read Bio
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Karen Canfell Professor and Director, The Daffodil Centre at the University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW, Australia Read Bio
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Stein Kaasa Professor of Palliative Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway, and Head of Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway Read Bio
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Diana Sarfati National Director of Cancer Control, and Chief Executive, New Zealand Cancer Control Agency Read Bio
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Bishal Gyawali Medical Oncologist & Scientist, Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University Cancer Research Institute
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Andreas Charalambous President-Elect and Co-chair, Workforce Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Kathy Oliver Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit 2021 and Co-Chair, European Cancer Organisation's Patient Advisory Committee
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Theresa Wiseman Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit 2021 and Board Member, European Cancer Organisation
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Mario Preti Member of Scientific Committee, Fondazione Veronesi and Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Italy Read Bio
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Jan van Meerbeeck Co-chair, Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Isabel Rubio Co-chair, Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Daniel Kelly Co-chair, HPV Action Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Rui Medeiros Co-chair, HPV Action Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Denis Lacombe Co-chair, Health Systems and Treatment Optimisation Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Yolande Lievens Co-chair, Health Systems and Treatment Optimisation Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Wim Oyen Co-chair, Digital Health Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Regina Beets-Tan Co-chair, Digital Health Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Mirjam Crul Co-chair, Workforce Network and Special Network on the Impact of Covid-19 on Cancer, European Cancer Organisation
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Geerard Beets Co-chair, Workforce Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Mark Lawler Co-chair, Special Network on the Impact of Covid-19 on Cancer, European Cancer Organisation
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Philip Poortmans Co-chair, Quality Cancer Care Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Simon Oberst Co-chair, Quality Cancer Care Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Andrew Davies Co-chair, Survivorship and Quality of Life Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Csaba Dégi Co-chair, Survivorship and Quality of Life Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Nicolò Battisti Co-chair, Inequalities Network, European Cancer Organisation
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Gilly Spurrier-Bernard Vice-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation Read Bio
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Jan Geissler Member, EU Cancer Mission Assembly and Member, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation Read Bio
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Luzia Travado President-Emeritus, International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) and Clinician & Researcher of Psycho-oncology, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, PORTUGAL Read Bio
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Alex Filicevas President, All.Can and Member, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation Read Bio
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Matthew Loscalzo Professor, Population Sciences at the City of Hope-National Medical Center Read Bio
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Jennifer L. Baker Co-chair, Childhood Obesity Task Force, European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and Senior Researcher, Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital system Read Bio
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Tit Albreht Coordinator, Joint Action Innovative Partnership for Action Against Cancer
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Andre Dekker Professor of Clinical Data Science and Medical Physicist, MAASTRO Clinic, Maastricht, The Netherlands Read Bio
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Claudia Allemani Professor of Global Public Health in the Cancer Survival Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Scientific Committee member, European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) Read Bio
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Kim Benstead Chair, Accreditation Council of Oncology in Europe (ACOE), and Leader, Core Curriculum/UEMS Programme, European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) Read Bio
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David Anstatt Vice President, Real-World Analytics & Data Science, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) Read Bio
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Speakers
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Stella Kyriakides European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
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Andrei Baciu Secretary of State for Health, Romania
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Janez Poklukar Minister of Health, Slovenia
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Adam Vojtěch Minister of Health, Czech Republic
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Hans Kluge Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), Europe
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Emer Cooke Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Registration closed
Speakers
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Stella Kyriakides European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
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Andrei Baciu Secretary of State for Health, Romania
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Janez Poklukar Minister of Health, Slovenia
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Adam Vojtěch Minister of Health, Czech Republic
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Hans Kluge Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), Europe
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Emer Cooke Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (EMA)
European Cancer Summit 2021 Programme
Wednesday 17 November 2021
09:00-09:15 Opening Session
Hosted by Matti Aapro, President of the European Cancer Organisation, and Co-Chairs of the European Cancer Summit 2021, Theresa Wiseman and Kathy Oliver.
09:15-10:45 Beating Cancer Before It Starts: Lessons Learnt from Screening
One of the earliest parts of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan to be put into action was the commitment to updating the EU Council Recommendations on Cancer Screening. The Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM) has been tasked with providing initial advice on how to improve the recommendations for the 3 tumour types currently covered: breast, cervical and colorectal. Advice will also be provided on potential additions of other tumour types to the EU screening recommendations, with lung, prostate and gastric cancer mentioned alongside others. This session sought further information on the process ahead for updating these Recommendations, and also considered wider policy needs and opportunities for early detection of cancer.
Hosted by the Co-Chairs of the Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network, Isabel Rubio and Jan Van Meerbeeck, and with live contributions from:
- Frances Fitzgerald MEP, Vice-Chair, EPP Group in the European Parliament
- Michelle Mitchell, CEO, Cancer Research UK
- Ruud Pijnappel, Vice-President, European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI)
- Anne-Marie Baird, Member, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation
- Stefan Costantinescu, President, Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM)
- Frank Verholen, Vice President and Head of GU Franchise, Bayer
10:45-11:00 Coffee Break
11:00-12:30 Eliminating HPV Cancers: From Flagship Policy to Flagship Practice
Through enhanced vaccination, screening, treatment and education/awareness policies we have a real opportunity to eliminate HPV associated cancers as a public health problem in Europe, and indeed the world. A goal now supported by Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and the WHO’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy.
But the goal of elimination will not be achieved without overcoming many known challenges, including the spectre of vaccine hesitancy, the backlog on screening and vaccination created by the Covid-19 pandemic, and inequalities across Europe in accessing many of the services and treatments essential to combatting HPV cancers.
This session took stock of latest policy developments in respect to HPV cancer elimination, including the global context, and put forward practical proposals for inclusion in any implementation plan for the achievement of the HPV cancer elimination goal.
Hosted by the Co-Chairs of the HPV Action Network, Daniel Kelly and Rui Medeiros, and with live contributions from:
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Matthias Schuppe, Team Leader, Cancer Plan, European Commission
- Zsuzsanna Jakab, Deputy Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO)
- Alessandra Moretti MEP, Member of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA)
- Mario Preti, Member of Scientific Committee, Fondazione Veronesi and Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
- Steve Bergman, HPV Cancer Survivor and Vaccination Advocate
- Laia Bruni, Senior Researcher, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Spain
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Jeff Andrews, Medical Affairs Global VP, Integrated Diagnostic Solutions, BD Life Sciences
12:30-13:00 Lunch
13:00-14:15 Affordable and Equitable Access to Multidisciplinary Treatments: Vision or Illusion?
Political attention at the global level is rightly giving attention to the possibilities of ‘resetting’ the governing systems of international cooperation and economic policy in the wake of the global health crisis we have been living through.
The Health Systems and Treatment Optimisation Network of the European Cancer Organisation calls for a similar ‘reset’ in the paradigm of research in investment in cancer care. Research in cancer care should address questions relevant and meaningful for patients and public health and such research should follow an independent process to support optimal access for patients to evidence-based multidisciplinary cancer treatment.
This session took stock of latest developments towards this goal, including from the regulatory, political and national perspectives.
Hosted by the Co-Chairs of the Health Systems and Treatment Optimisation Network, Denis Lacombe and Yolande Lievens, and with live contributions from:
- Emer Cooke, Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (EMA)
- Richard Sullivan, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Cancer Policy (JCP) and Director, Institute of Cancer Policy (ICP)
- Milka Sokolovic, Director General, European Public Health Alliance (EPHA)
- Josep Borras, Director, Catalan Cancer Strategy
- Antonella Cardone, Director, European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC)
- Gavin Lewis, Vice President, Global Value and Access, Amgen
14:15-15:30 Harnessing the Power of Data in Cancer Care: Data Sharing and Artificial Intelligence
Advances in the use and power of data. Telemedicine making forms of care and treatment more accessible. Artificial Intelligence enhance many aspects of treatment and research. Blockchain, virtual reality and robotics. A wave of digital innovation is changing the way we do cancer care, and offering fresh opportunities for improvement.
But change, as always, brings challenges and some obstacles can become persistent. The Digital Health Network of the European Cancer Organisation has been exploring these themes and policy needs throughout 2021, and presented its positional paper at the European Cancer Summit.
Speakers and Panellists at the Digital Health Summit session shared their perspectives and suggestions on this agenda, with a shared aim of wanting Europe to go further, faster, in delivering the promise of digital for cancer care.
Hosted by Wim Oyen, Co-Chair of the Digital Health Network, and Gilly Spurrier-Bernard, Vice-Chair of the Patient Advisory Committee, and with contributions from:
- Regina Beets-Tan, Co-Chair, Digital Health Network, European Cancer Organisation
- Ceri Thompson, Deputy Head of Unit eHealth, Wellbeing and Ageing, European Commission's Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology
- Ivars Ijabs MEP, Vice-Chair, Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA)
- Andre Dekker, Professor of Clinical Data Science and Medical Physicist, MAASTRO Clinic, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Domenico D’Ugo, President of the European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) and Full Professor of Surgery at Catholic University of Rome, Italy
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David Anstatt, Vice President, Real-World Analytics & Data Science, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS)
15:30-15:45 Coffee Break
15:45-17:00 Supporting the Drivers for Implementation: The Cases of the Oncology Workforce
The announcement in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan of a new Inter-specialty cancer training programme was welcome news for all who believe in the fundamentals of multidisciplinary and multiprofessional care as the bedrock of quality cancer care. But what should such a curriculum be composed of and which professions should be within focus?
The Workforce Network of the European Cancer Organisation calls for a broad programme that supports greater recognition and mutual understanding by professions of all the many components and contributions that Europe’s healthcare professionals bring to high quality cancer care. Any such EU programme needs to be widely accessible, utilising the full promise of digital technology to broaden participation.
Speakers and Panellists at the Workforce Summit session explored the best means forward for implementing this, and other workforce relevant initiatives of the EU currently in development.
Hosted by the Co-Chairs of the Workforce Network, Andreas Charalambous, Mirjam Crul and Geerard Beets, and with live contributions from:
- Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health, Czech Republic
- Małgorzata Bogusz, Member, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
- Johan De Munter, President, European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS)
- Sema Erdem, Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation
- Alberto Costa, CEO, European School of Oncology (ESO)
- Kim Benstead, Chair, Accreditation Council of Oncology in Europe (ACOE), and Leader, Core Curriculum/UEMS Programme, European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)
- Berfu Yaziyurt, Regional President, Oncology, International Developed Markets, Pfizer
17:00-18:00 Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan: From Plans to Action
The creation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan in February 2021 was a landmark for European cooperation in fighting cancer together. The broad swathe of nearly 40 initiatives across all areas of the cancer care continuum provide a firm foundation for a fresh decade of countries, health systems, healthcare professionals and stakeholders collaborating to achieve more faster.
But now we have the Plan, how do we best ensure implementation success? What are the principles for success? How can the groundswell of good will from all stakeholders best be channelled? What are the obstacles we know we will face, and how can we already prepare to overcome them?
Hosted by Matti Aapro, President of the European Cancer Organisation, and with contributions from:
- Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
- Janez Poklukar, Minister of Health, Slovenia
- Veronique Trillet-Lenoir MEP, Rapporteur, European Parliament’s Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA)
- Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman, EPP Group in the European Parliament
- Kathy Oliver, Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit 2021 and Co-Chair, European Cancer Organisation’s Patient Advisory Committee
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Aron Anderson, Cancer Ambassador for Europe, World Health Organization (WHO)
The European Cancer Summit Declaration was presented during this session by Matti Aapro, President of the European Cancer Organisation, and Co-Chairs of the European Cancer Summit 2021, Theresa Wiseman and Kathy Oliver.
Thursday 18 November 2021
09:00-10:30 Time To Act: Covid-19 & Cancer
An estimated 1 million cancer patients in Europe could be undiagnosed with cancer due to the backlog of screening tests, reduction and delays in referrals and restricted healthcare resources caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The same research exercise by the European Cancer Organisation’s Time to Act campaign also found that:
- Clinicians across Europe saw 1.5 million fewer Cancer patients in the first year of the pandemic
- Urgent Cancer referrals were cut by up to half due to the pandemic
- An estimated 100 million Cancer screening tests were not performed in Europe as a result of the pandemic
As we increasingly learn to live with Covid-19, there can be no let up in the effort to catchup on the backlog for cancer services created by the greatest disruption to health services in Europe in living memory.
This session included an update on the Time To Act campaign “Don’t let Covid-19 stop you from tackling Cancer” and showcased the new Data Navigator. The campaign, led by the European Cancer Organisation, was launched in May 2021 with campaign materials translated in over 30 languages and national virtual events held in 10 countries prior to the Summit: Poland, Italy, Spain, Romania, Malta, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Slovenia, Portugal. For more information, visit TimeToActCancer.com and #TimeToActCancer.
Hosted by the Co-Chairs of the Special Network: Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer, Mirjam Crul and Mark Lawler, and with live contributions from:
- Andrei Baciu, Secretary of State for Health, Romania
- Sara Cerdas MEP, Shadow Rapporteur, EU4Health; Vice-Chair, Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA); Co-Chair, ENVI Committee Health Working Group
- Robert Greene, Member, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation
- Karen Canfell, Professor and Director, The Daffodil Centre at the University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW, Australia
- Nathalie Moll, Director General, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA)
- Jennifer L. Baker, Co-chair, Childhood Obesity Task Force, European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), and Senior Researcher, Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital system
10:30-10:45 Coffee Break
10:45-12:00 The EU Cancer Mission & Research
The latest implementation plan for the EU Cancer Mission sets out the goal of: “Improving the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through prevention, cure and for those affected by cancer including their families, to live longer and better.”
Breaking this down further into component parts, supporting objectives include: improving the understanding of cancer; preventing what is preventable; optimising diagnostics and treatment; and, supporting quality of life.
The case for joint working between countries on the research elements of combatting cancer have been well made and advanced, but can the new infrastructures and collaborations announced by the EU Cancer Mission meet the need?
With Mission-related initiatives like UNCAN.eu and Comprehensive Cancer Infrastructures already being carried forward, this session provided opportunity for both update from those at the heart of developments, as well as perspectives from those so closely impacted, including patients and the research community.
Hosted by Matti Aapro, President of the European Cancer Organisation, and with live contributions from:
- Mariya Gabriel, EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, Youth and Sport
- Elisabete Weiderpass, Director, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- Walter Ricciardi, Chair of the EU Cancer Mission
- Christine Chomienne, Vice-Chair of the EU Cancer Mission
- Jan Geissler, Member, EU Cancer Mission Assembly and Member, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation
- Kees Roks, Member, EU Cancer Mission Assembly and Head Region Europe Oncology, Novartis Pharma AG
12:00-12:45 Lunch
12:45-14:00 Advancing the Vision of Comprehensive Cancer Care in Europe
An admirable aspect of both Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission has been its attention to the fundamental infrastructures through which we deliver cancer care and research. Specifically, both the Plan and Mission are unambiguous in their support for the comprehensive cancer care model, seeing within this mode of care delivery the foundations for future excellence in all EU countries.
With an EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Care Centres now being advanced, it is vital that further clarity in understanding is gained by all involved of the core purposes to which this new network will be devoted, and that no part of Europe is inadvertently left behind from a failure to plan early for comprehensive cancer care development in all regions.
Keynote speakers and panellists closely involved in the development and implementation of the EU Network Comprehensive Cancer Centres debated the challenges of achieving the fresh vision for practice across Europe. Reference was made to the E.C.O. publication ‘Advancing the Vision of Comprehensive Cancer Care in Europe’.
Hosted by the Co-Chairs of the Quality Cancer Care Network, Philip Poortmans and Simon Oberst, and with live contributions from:
- Marcis Leja, EU Cancer Mission Board Member, Professor of Medicine and Vice-Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia
- Tit Albreht, Senior Health Services and Health Systems Researcher at the National Institute of Public Health of Slovenia and Coordinator of the Innovative Partnership for Action Against Cancer (iPAAC)
- John Gribben, Past President, European Hematology Association (EHA)
- Lorenza Marotti, Executive Director, European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA)
- Alex Filicevas, President, All.Can and Member, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation
- Niko Andre, Global Head of Immuno-Oncology and Haematology, AstraZeneca
14:00-15:15 I Am Not a Statistic. The Human Element of the Beating Cancer Plan
EU initiatives such as the Beating Cancer Plan and Cancer Mission are laudable in their attention to all aspects of the cancer care continuum, including survivorship and quality of life. But are the initiatives published during 2021 elaborated far enough to assist the breadth, complexity and particularities of needs for all that happens after and around treatment?
Expert speakers and panellists illuminated tools and proven solutions to such matters as supportive cancer care. Patients spoke of the realities of life during and after cancer. International contributors highlighted how the PROM/PREM agenda can and will drive change, including, but not limited to, the nature of treatment development and innovation.
Hosted by the Co-Chairs of the Survivorship and Quality of Life Network, Andrew Davies and Csaba Dégi, and with live contributions from:
- Matthew Loscalzo, Professor, Population Sciences at the City of Hope-National Medical Center
- Stein Kaasa, Professor of Palliative Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway, and Head of Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Luzia Travado, President-Emeritus, International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) and Clinician & Researcher of Psycho-Oncology, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
- Martin Inderbitzin, Neuroscientist and Founder of MySurvivalStory.org
- Natacha Bolaños, Member, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation
- Markus Kosch, Head, European Oncology Business Division, Daiichi Sankyo
15:15-15:30 Coffee Break
15:30-17:00 Leave No One Behind: Advancing Health Equity in Cancer Care
Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan recognises the unacceptable inequalities in cancer care evident across all areas of the cancer care continuum, between countries and regions and between groups in society, including, but not limited to, categories such as age, gender, ethnicity and social status.
In recognition of this, the European Commission, working closely with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), has already initiated the process of establishing a new Cancer Inequalities Registry. This will identify trends, disparities and inequalities between Member States and regions. Alongside regular qualitative assessments of the country-specific situation, the Registry will identify challenges and specific areas of action to guide investment and interventions at EU, national and regional level under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
But what are the measures for such a registry that will make the difference? What aspects of cancer inequalities do we risk overlooking? What lessons can we learn and apply from our shared international combat of inequalities in cancer care?
Experts from around Europe, the globe, disciplines and tumour types contributed to the Summit session’s discussions and provided key recommendations for promotion via the European Cancer Summit 2021 Declaration.
Hosted by the Co-Chairs of the Inequalities Network, Nicolò Battisti and Hendrik Van Poppel, and with live contributions from:
- Nicolae Stefanuta MEP, Co-ordinator, Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA)
- Guillaume Dedet, Health Economist and Policy Analyst, Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD), Health Division
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Claudia Allemani, Professor of Global Public Health in the Cancer Survival Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Scientific Committee member, European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC)
- Bishal Gyawali, Medical Oncologist & Scientist, Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Assistant Professor of Public health Sciences, Queen’s University Cancer Research Institute
- Diana Sarfati, National Director of Cancer Control, and Chief Executive, New Zealand Cancer Control Agency
- Teodora Kolarova, Member, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation
- Deepak Khanna, President, Human Health Europe & Canada, MSD
17:00-18:00 Cancer Issues Worldwide
The oncology community is a global community. Cancer crosses all borders and leaves no country, community or family untouched. The case for international cooperation against cancer is inherent, and, with technology's help, the means to cooperate ever-developing. Political will for greater collaboration between countries on health is presently strengthened as a result of the pandemic. Speakers at the Cancer Issues Worldwide session reflected on how this moment might be seized to ensure we go further, faster on global cooperation against cancer.
Hosted by Matti Aapro, President of the European Cancer Organisation, and with live contributions from:
- Hans Kluge, Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), Europe
- Everett E. Vokes, President, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
- Anil D’Cruz, President, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
- Anita Kienesberger, Member, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation
- Franco Cavalli, President, World Oncology Forum (WOF), and Chair, Scientific Committee, European School of Oncology (ESO)
- Cindy Perettie, Head of Roche Molecular Lab
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André Ilbawi, Cancer Control Officer, World Health Organization (WHO)
18:00-18:25 Closing Session
Closing remarks from the Co-Chairs of the European Cancer Summit 2021, Theresa Wiseman and Kathy Oliver. Matti Aapro, President of the European Cancer Organisation, introduced the next President of the European Cancer Organisation, Andreas Charalambous, starting his term on 1 January 2022. Ahead of France taking the Presidency of the EU Council from January, we also heard reflections from Thierry Breton, Director General, French National Cancer Institute (INCa).
Speakers
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Stella Kyriakides European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
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Andrei Baciu Secretary of State for Health, Romania
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Janez Poklukar Minister of Health, Slovenia
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Adam Vojtěch Minister of Health, Czech Republic
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Hans Kluge Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), Europe
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Emer Cooke Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (EMA)
European Cancer Summit 2021 On Demand
If you missed part of European Cancer Summit 2021, or simply want to watch a session again, all session recordings are available on the Summit virtual platform on Wondr Medical here.
Log in with your Summit credentials, click on 'Agenda' where under each session description you will find 'Watch Recording'.
Speakers
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Stella Kyriakides European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
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Andrei Baciu Secretary of State for Health, Romania
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Janez Poklukar Minister of Health, Slovenia
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Adam Vojtěch Minister of Health, Czech Republic
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Hans Kluge Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), Europe
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Emer Cooke Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (EMA)
The European Cancer Summit 2021 Declaration
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Download the Declaration
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Endorse the Declaration
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See the organisations that have endorsed the Declaration
A brighter future for healthcare and cancer care across Europe can be built out of the Covid-19 pandemic. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU Mission on Cancer, the European Health Data Space, and the new EU Pharmaceutical Strategy, among other initiatives, are all arriving on time to achieve this.
With implementation activity across these major policy drives already underway, the following Declaration from the European Cancer Summit 2021 encapsulates the headlines of overall advice from the cancer community at this time.
Action on Early Detection
In 2022, fresh EU Council recommendations for Cancer Screening and Early Detection should be formulated.
A plan for HPV cancer elimination
In 2022, a full implementation strategy for eliminating HPV associated cancers in Europe should be developed and articulated.
Defining patient-centric public health needs
To support Europe’s fight against cancer, an EU-led process should be established to define and address the important patient-centric public health needs.
Advancing digital cancer care
To advance Digital Health’s contribution to cancer care, the application of GDPR should be reviewed, registry interoperability accelerated and digital literacy boosted.
Combatting oncology workforce shortage
Oncology workforce shortage & resilience should be addressed within EU initiatives such as the Cancer Inequalities Registry & HERA, and greater support provided to EU level professional qualification recognition efforts.
Inter-specialty cancer training across the professions
The future EU Inter-specialty cancer training programme should have a broad focus, supporting improved mutual understanding of professional roles in cancer care across all disciplines and professions instrumental to high quality cancer care.
A public facing Beating Cancer Plan
Implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan should be supported by regular public reporting on progress, measured with the support of clear goals.
Missing no opportunity for Covid-19 build back
All current and future EU and WHO initiatives related to cancer must be leveraged to aid the building back of cancer services made urgent by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cancer research leadership in ALL EU countries
The EU Mission on Cancer should conceive of itself the role of helping to stimulate the creation of a Europe in which all countries in the EU are at the frontiers of new research and knowledge in cancer.
A goal focused EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres
The new EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Care Centres should formally aim to: reduce inequalities in diagnosis, treatment and care; strengthen the quality of translational, clinical and outcomes research; and, integrate clinical care and research.
Drawing on the strength of the many for quality cancer care
Regional hospitals and primary care providers should be encouraged and supported to develop collaborative regional and local networks, linked to the EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres.
Supporting Survivorship & Quality of Life on many fronts
All initiatives of Europe’s Beating Cancer and the EU Mission on Cancer should be regularly reviewed for the further contribution they can provide to improved survivorship and quality of life for those impacted by cancer.
A Cancer Inequalities Registry for public use
For the Cancer Inequalities Registry to achieve maximum impact it must be public facing, intuitive and interactive.
All cancer inequalities deserve our focus
The EU’s cancer inequalities agenda must also provide significant focus to social determinants of cancer inequalities.
Building a new century of international cancer & health cooperation out of the pandemic
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, all structures for inter-governmental collaboration on health should be refreshed and renewed, including for global cooperation against cancer.
Download the full Declaration here.
Speakers
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Stella Kyriakides European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
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Andrei Baciu Secretary of State for Health, Romania
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Janez Poklukar Minister of Health, Slovenia
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Adam Vojtěch Minister of Health, Czech Republic
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Hans Kluge Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), Europe
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Emer Cooke Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Supporters of the European Cancer Summit 2021
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Member Societies of the European Cancer Organisation -
Patient Advocacy Groups of the European Cancer Organisation -
Community 365 of the European Cancer Organisation -
Journal of Cancer Policy -
touchONCOLOGY -
Cancer World -
ecancer -
visit.brussels -
Wondr Medical -
EFPIA
Speakers
-
Stella Kyriakides European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
-
Andrei Baciu Secretary of State for Health, Romania
-
Janez Poklukar Minister of Health, Slovenia
-
Adam Vojtěch Minister of Health, Czech Republic
-
Hans Kluge Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), Europe
-
Emer Cooke Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (EMA)
