ECO’s Young Cancer Professionals Meet EU’s Health Commissioner

03 February 2025

 

The newly appointed EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi hosted a delegation of European Cancer Organisation’s Young Cancer Professionals as well as Young Cancer Survivors for a Youth Policy Dialogue. The young experts come from 10 different European countries and cover specialisations ranging from oncology nursing, digital medicine, and clinical trials to cancer policy.

The meeting – which fittingly took place on 4 February, World Cancer Day - addressed ways in which EU health policies and programmes can better serve patients, survivors, their loved ones, but also the healthcare professionals dedicating their lives to fighting cancer.

YCP highlights


Major topics that were raised during the dialogue with the young cancer professionals included:

  • How to address persistent disparities in cancer care across Europe;
  • Employing new digital solutions to enhance cancer care, such as AI;
  • Promotion of Pan-European training opportunities for cancer professionals as part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

During the meeting, Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi said 'We need advocates and leaders like you - to make a difference for the future of Europe. Young people are essential to driving changes, especially in cancer management. These youth policy dialogues are a priority for this Commission.'

Nikolina Dodlek, an ECO Board Member and leader of the Young Cancer Professionals emphasised the importance of including young experts in policy discussions:

nikolina bubble wcd‘We’re grateful for the Commissioner’s generous invitation. Young professionals bring fresh ideas, unique experiences, and an unrelenting drive for innovation. These are instrumental in preparing our health systems for future challenges and ensuring they provide the best care to cancer patients. Resilient health systems require input from those who will be leading them in the years to come.’

The event took place on 4 February between 15:00 and 17:00 CET. Click here to see the video recording.