On Tuesday, 4 February 2025, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) hosted an event in Brussels dedicated to raising awareness about cancer. The event was also streamed online. This year’s focus was on synergies to combat cancer, highlighting the impact of EU-funded projects. During this event, the audience could listen to unique stories from cancer survivors, in line with World Cancer Day’s 2025-27 theme “United by Unique”; a campaign placing people at the core of the narrative, spotlighting their psychological dimension as well.
Marina Zanchi, HaDEA’s director, emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. “Cancer concerns all of us, in one way or another,” she stated. Sandra Gallina, Director-General for Health and Food Safety (SANTE), stressed the importance of healthcare funding to fight cancer. She introduced key themes discussed throughout the event, including prevention and early detection, screening, diagnosis, quality of life, and survivorship. “Treating cancer early is also more economically viable,” she noted, while discussing the significance of screening.
During the first plenary discussion on policies and actions to beat cancer, Walter Ricciardi, Chair of the EU Mission Board for Cancer, asserted, “In a world in turmoil, we must make cancer a social responsibility.”
HaDEA Showcase
The project showcase provided an important opportunity to highlight patients and their valuable testimonials, alongside with project representatives. Topics such as support from policymakers, continuous education programs, and understanding the needs of the population were central.
Regarding education, interesting data on cancer prevention in Europe was shared. The bottom line is that most cancers are preventable (e.g., lung cancer at 90%), while others are not (e.g., prostate cancer at 0%). For those that cannot be prevented, fostering screenings is crucial, as prostate cancer testimonial Erik Briers, from the PRAISE-U project, shared. Doctor Urška Ivanuš, from the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Slovenia representing Joint Action PERCH (EU4Health), stated that the condition of cervical cancer is worst in Eastern Europe and that education is essential to raise awareness about this cancer.
During the event, an important reference was made to Europe’s Cancer Beating Plan, which focuses on cancer equity and accessible services for all EU residents, regardless of social status or disabilities. In this regard, several EU-funded projects are focused on empowering individuals in vulnerable situations (such as homelessness and disabilities) through knowledge.
The project showcase concluded with patient stories from those who participated in studies aimed at improving the conditions of ill patients, and with closing remarks from HaDEA’s director.
