From Our President: A Summit to Remember

 

Last week, we were reminded yet again of how the European Cancer Summit is growing by leaps and bounds on so many fronts.

Whether we consider the record attendance, the more engaging presentations, the expanding networking opportunities, this latest Summit was in a class by itself. Even the look and feel of this year's event was unique – from the massive, wall-to-wall LED screen (20 metres by 2.5 metres) to the little paper coffee cups, each emblazoned with the name of a different ECO Focused Topic Network.

The key to improving cancer care is exchanging knowledge and learning from as many different experiences as possible. And this year's Summit showcased the most diverse panel discussions yet.

Policymakers, government officials, organisation leaders, medical professionals, and patient representatives from across the continent and beyond contributed like never before.

This is where big ideas emerge. And especially this year. So many presentations focused on actionable solutions, rather than just outlining a litany of challenges. I believe those talks, on virtually every aspect of cancer policy, will inform and energise your individual efforts for many years to come.

This Summit also featured unique and bittersweet moments. It gave us the opportunity to collectively say goodbye to two leading voices in European cancer care: the outgoing EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, and ECO's own Chief Executive Officer, Mike Morrissey.

It was Stella's vision – and unwavering determination – that brought to life the vast initiative we know as Europe's Beating Cancer Plan. From the very beginning, she ignored the sceptics and rallied the cancer community to work as one, transcending national borders and entrenched priorities. We can never thank Stella enough for her leadership in making Europe's Beating Cancer Plan an inspiring reality.

Closer to home, Mike revitalised and refocused virtually every aspect of ECO. Since he arrived five years ago, he introduced our Focused Topic Networks, Community 365, and our work in EU-funded projects. He expanded ECO's influence both inside and outside of Brussels, including recent ECO visits to dozens of European countries – sharing what we've learnt and lending support to Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.

Together at this year's Summit, we gave fitting tributes to both Stella and Mike. But if we really want to honour them, we must commit to building on their legacies. They have shown us the way. It's now up to us to proceed – full speed ahead.

Thank you one and all for your support.

With warm regards,
Csaba
Prof. Csaba Dégi