From the President - The Year Ahead

 

The start of any new year brings with it a palette of fresh challenges and opportunities. And that’s certainly the case for ECO.

Yes, our organisation, our mission, our topics, our patient focus all remain the same. This year, however, is different for several reasons.

We’re seeing alarming financial challenges faced by national cancer control plans around the world. Only 27% of these plans are actually funded. In other words, three-quarters of the plans amount to little more than volumes of wishful thinking. We’re making false promises to cancer communities if we don’t address these financing needs thoroughly and promptly. We must find innovative funding models if we want to reduce the impact of cancer on our societies.

As we enter 2025, I believe the time has come to say it clearly: we need a United Nations International Agency for Cancer Control (UNIACC). Cancer is a global challenge that demands a global response. UNIACC would be the first dedicated UN body to tackle cancer comprehensively, coordinating efforts, addressing financing gaps, and ensuring that every country—especially those in low- and middle-income regions—has the resources and support to fight this disease. This is not just a vision; it is a necessity.

We also see the need for more robust collaboration—not only within the European Union but also between the EU and the United States. Both begin the year with new health responsibilities and leadership, including the appointment of a new EU Health Commissioner and a new American Secretary of Health.

There is a call for greater collaboration across disciplines, especially with Europe’s cardiovascular community. We’ve learned much from working on Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and we’re eager to share those lessons with other communities focused on non-communicable diseases, particularly when it comes to planning and policymaking.

Looking ahead, there’s a growing need to put increased emphasis on the patient’s voice, making it louder and more impactful. This will require dedicated advocacy work. I’ve already mentioned the financing woes of national cancer control plans. But perhaps an even more startling statistic: Only 18% of cancer control plans around the world involve patients. This is absurd. So few organisations like ECO have developed the reach and connection to the patient community in their decision-making. There need to be many more, and we must help.

As we consider cancer control efforts, we must also ensure these plans are ‘crisis proof.’ The cancer community needs to learn from the profound disruptions caused by COVID-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Unfortunately, it seems the message is still not getting through.

According to the data we published in Lancet Oncology last month, only 4% of the cancer plans worldwide address future disruptions of any kind. We must emphasise this need whenever and wherever we can: making cancer control plans resilient is of paramount importance.

ECO and the European cancer community have much to do in 2025 – on so many fronts. What is especially encouraging is that we enter this year together, stronger than ever. We continue to build alliances. Our voice is respected. Our counsel is considered. In that spirit, I’m honored to be participating in the World Economic Forum related events in Davos, joining global leaders, innovators, and our industry to discuss transformative solutions for cancer care.

Allow me to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your support and unwavering commitment to this effort.

With my best wishes,
Csaba
Prof. Csaba Dégi