Fostering synergies to beat cancer: The impact of EU-funded projects

An event entitled “Fostering synergies to beat cancer: The impact of EU-funded projects” was organised by HaDEA on February 4th in Brussels, Belgium, to mark the World Cancer Day and demonstrate the impact of various grants and tenders managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) in relation to the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the Cancer Mission.

This meeting called attention to the key roles of EU-funded projects in the context of the Cancer Prevention Plan and the Cancer Mission, emphasising the importance of data security, infrastructure, and international cooperation in the fight against cancer.

The event highlighted that scientific research alone is not enough to combat cancer effectively: extensive public involvement and the practical use of knowledge are required. Science must become a tangible reality that affects both prevention, treatment, and patient care. Such interaction is already taking place at the EU level; however, international cooperation and the creation of synergies between the various projects worldwide are also becoming increasingly important.

A major topic at the event was data in cancer research and treatment. In order to use data effectively, it is important to ensure its security, transmission, and processing. The European Commission has already launched an action plan on cybersecurity in hospitals and healthcare settings to ensure data protection and reliable use. A large amount of data and its rapid and efficient transmission are challenges for cancer research.

The promotion of progress also requires an appropriate legal framework for data collection, transmission of calls, and cross-sectoral cooperation. Participants agreed that future actions will include not only improving data collection systems but also raising public awareness of cancer prevention and treatment, ensuring an effective flow of information between different institutions and countries.

The event demonstrated that only by combining science, policy action, public engagement, and modern technologies can significant progress be made in combating cancer and improving the quality of healthcare across Europe. Yet challenges in bringing together experts from these fields together remain, as highlighted by Wendy Yared, Executive Director of the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL), during the event’s panel discussion on cancer prevention, early detection and screening:

“Cancer leagues, health groups, patient representatives and other civil society organisations play a pivotal role in the shaping of EU-funded efforts to combat cancer. To ensure we can continue to put public health at the heart of policymaking while remaining strong and independent partners, it is essential to guarantee access to sustainable funding for all civil society actors.”

This significant event brought together both in-person and online representatives of EU-funded cancer projects, NGOs, health organisations working in the field of cancer, National Contact Points and National Focal Points, and policymakers, as well as the Director of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia, Marcis Leja, and project coordinator Iveta Enina, representing the TOGAS and EUCanScreen projects.