European Cancer Summit

Strengthening Cancer Care: Securing a Healthy, Equitable, Resilient and Competitive Europe

 

Amid political instability, economic pressure, and the risk of escalating conflict, discussions around Europe’s next multiannual budget are intensifying in Brussels and in capitals across the EU.  

 

In this environment, addressing the growing burden of cancer is essential. This unrelenting disease is not only a public health priority, but a strategic investment in Europe’s resilience, social cohesion and long‑term competitiveness.

 

As Europe defines its political priorities for the decade ahead, health and cancer must be embedded at the heart of future investments. At this critical moment, the cancer community must champion a vision for a resilient, equitable and innovative Europe.

 

The European Cancer Summit 2026 will take place in Brussels & online on 18-19 November, followed by EU-funded project events on 20 November. Registrations will open soon.

18 November 2026 19 November 2026

Brussels & online

The European Cancer Summit 2026 will bring together healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and policymakers for an edition that reflects the urgency and ambition of our times. The discussions will be structured around four policy tracks, echoing this year’s theme.

  • Advancing Cancer Prevention and Early Detection for a Healthier Europe: Prevention, early detection and screening are central to reducing the cancer burden and building a healthier, stronger Europe.
  • Closing the Gaps in Cancer Care for a Fairer, More Equitable Europe: Ensuring all citizens can access high-quality, inclusive cancer care strengthens fairness and social cohesion across the continent.
  • Enhancing Europe’s Cancer System Resilience in an Era of Uncertainty: Robust cancer systems are essential to maintaining care and protecting Europe’s stability, even in times of crisis.
  • Cancer Research and Digital Innovation for a Competitive Europe: Leadership in research, innovation and digital technologies drives better outcomes and secures Europe’s position at the forefront of global cancer care.

This year's European Cancer Summit will be chaired by:

  • Gilliosa Spurrier-Bernard, Board Member and Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO); Vice-President, Melanoma Patient Network Europe
  • Wim Ceelen, Board Member, European Cancer Organisation (ECO); Professor of Surgical Oncology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

 

Cover European Cancer Summit 2025 ReportIn the meantime, look back at the highlights of last year’s Summit with the European Cancer Summit Report 2025.

Developed in collaboration with ECO’s Focused Topic Networks, this report captures the key discussions, commitments and major publications unveiled during the Summit.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Celebrate the impact of INTERACT-EUROPE 100 and EUonQoL!

Directly following the European Cancer Summit, on 20 November and at the same venue, leaders in EU policy, oncology, and advocacy will meet for an in-depth discussion about two stellar EU-funded initiatives. These projects are key drivers of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission – providing powerful examples of collaboration across Europe:

European Conference on Inter-Speciality Cancer Training and Care: Advancing Collaboration, Skills and Person-Centred Care through INTERACT-EUROPE 100

Bringing together Europe’s oncology community at a pivotal moment, this conference will showcase the achievements of INTERACT-EUROPE 100 while charting the next phase of inter-speciality cancer training. It offers a unique opportunity to transform the programme’s success into lasting, system-wide adoption for better cancer care and outcomes.

Quality of Life Cluster & EUonQoL Policy Event

This multi-stakeholder event marks the culmination of the EUonQoL project promoting quality of life in cancer care, with a strategic focus on policy translation and sustainability.