The European Cancer Screening and Early Detection Policy Summit will showcase three implementation-focused projects under the EU4Health Programme 2021-2027:
- PRAISE-U: testing a personalised, cost-effective prostate cancer screening strategy through risk-based diagnostic algorithms
- SOLACE: designing comprehensive guidelines for lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography
- TOGAS: developing and implementing gastric cancer prevention strategies tailored for communities across Europe
The European Cancer Screening and Early Detection Policy Summit will be chaired by Stella Kyriakides, Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety and David Collingridge, Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet Oncology.
The two-day programme will gather health experts, patients, and policymakers to:
- Explain the results of PRAISE-U, SOLACE and TOGAS, share key findings and define effective implementation of these three screening programmes.
- Exchange views among screening and early detection communities and pave the way for future exploration and international initiatives.
- Expand policy action through ambitious recommendations, ensuring screening and early detection’s place on the political agenda.
Speakers
-
Stella Kyriakides Summit Co-Chair & Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
-
David Collingridge Summit Co-Chair & Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet Oncology
Speakers
-
Stella Kyriakides Summit Co-Chair & Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
-
David Collingridge Summit Co-Chair & Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet Oncology
Speakers
-
Stella Kyriakides Summit Co-Chair & Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
-
David Collingridge Summit Co-Chair & Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet Oncology
Event Registration
We invite everyone interested in attending the European Cancer Screening and Early Detection Policy Summit to register below.
As this is the joint final event of three implementation-focused projects funded under the EU4Health Programme 2021-2027, we kindly as you to:
- Help us avoid no-shows and food wasting by registering only if you are certain to attend
- Cancel upfront if you cannot attend anymore, giving the chance to other delegates to take part
Thank you very much in advance for your cooperation!
Please contact us if you have any questions.
For any hotel booking or practical information, please check our dedicated Practical Info page.
Speakers
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Stella Kyriakides Summit Co-Chair & Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
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David Collingridge Summit Co-Chair & Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet Oncology
Programme
Tuesday 17 February 2026
Day 1: Achievements - Progress since the Council Recommendations on Cancer Screening
14:00-14:30 |
Registration & welcome coffee |
14:30-14:45 |
Welcome & Opening Remarks |
14:45-16:15 |
Session 1 - Presenting the overall European cancer screening policy context and the PRAISE-U, SOLACE and TOGAS projects |
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General introduction to the event, presentations and reflections on the projects, covering the following elements:
Relevance: Emphasis on the significance of the projects from a policy, patient/civil society and academic perspective Next steps: Planned activities, future milestones, and sustainability strategies, with a focus on delivering key messages on how the wider community of policymakers and stakeholders can support them |
16:15-16:45 |
Coffee break & projects exhibition |
16:45-18:15 |
Session 2 - Lessons from the implementation studies |
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This session will be an interactive exchange of lessons learned between local pilot representatives from PRAISE-U, SOLACE, and TOGAS. Guided by a professional moderator and an expert in the field, the discussion will focus on cross-cutting topics such as:
The session aims to promote peer learning and share practical insights across the three projects. It will also exemplify how these pilots can benefit allied implementation efforts as well as relevant target groups, thereby stimulating interest from event participants in supporting the transfer of these lessons beyond the projects’ contexts. |
18:15-21:00 |
Networking walking dinner(including transfer if applicable) |
Wednesday 18 February 2026
Day 2: Next steps – Requirements and aspects of upscaling and implementation of cancer screening programmes
08:15-08:45 |
Registration & welcome coffee |
08:45-09:00 |
Welcome, Recap of Day 1 & Introduction to Day 2 |
09:00-10:15 |
Session 3 - Cost-effectiveness of screening for lung, prostate and gastric cancer |
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This session will explore the economic dimension of expanding cancer screening programmes across Europe, focusing on prostate, lung and gastric cancers. Experts will present evidence, including direct healthcare costs, long-term savings through early detection, and the broader socioeconomic benefits. The discussion will also touch on the challenges of translating cost-effectiveness evidence into policy decisions and resource allocation in national health systems. |
10:15-10:45 |
Coffee break & projects exhibition |
10:45-12:00 |
Session 4 - Data collection & Monitoring: Ensuring high-quality cancer screening programmes |
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This session will explore the role of data collection systems, continuous monitoring and quality assurance frameworks in the long-term value of cancer screening programmes. Focusing on prostate, lung and gastric cancers, speakers will examine how well-defined indicators, and real-time data can inform policy decisions, ensure quality and equity, and drive continuous programme improvement. The session will also highlight the importance of incorporating patient perspectives into evaluation processes. |
12:00-13:00 |
Networking Lunch |
13:00-14:15 |
Session 5 - National implementation: from recommendations to programmes |
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This session will focus on the need for recommendations generated by PRAISE-U, SOLACE and TOGAS to be translated into implementation of cancer screening programmes against prostate, lung and gastric cancer at the national level across EU Member States. Country experiences and policy benchmarking initiatives will be used to highlight requirements, barriers and enablers to scale up screening programmes in diverse national contexts . |
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14:15-14:45 |
Coffee break & projects exhibition |
14:45-16:00 |
Session 6 - Maintaining political momentum in cancer screening across Europe |
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This high-level session will explore how to sustain and strengthen political commitment and financial investment in cancer screening across Europe, as a critical requirement to enable the scale-up of prostate, lung and gastric cancer screening programmes. The discussion will address the role of future EU funding instruments, such as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) in supporting Member States’ efforts and maintaining momentum beyond the current policy cycle. |
16:00-16:15 |
Wrapping up, closing remarks & end of event |
16:15-17:00 |
Farewell networking gathering |
Speakers
-
Stella Kyriakides Summit Co-Chair & Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
-
David Collingridge Summit Co-Chair & Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet Oncology
Event venue
The European Cancer Screening and Early Detection Policy Summit will take place at
CARDO BRUSSELS HOTEL
Avenue du Boulevard 14 - 1210 Brussels
Tel: +32 2 889 50 00
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bruak-cardo-brussels-autograph-collection/overview/
Closest train station: North Station (600m / 8 min by foot) – Direct trains run from Brussels International Airport, Zaventem to the North Station
Closest metro station: Rogier (30m / 1 min by foot) – Metro Lines 2 & 6/Pre-metro Lines 4 & 10
Off-Site Parking: (located underground near the hotel)
Manhattan Indigo Parking - Level-4 &-5
Rue des Croisades 19 - 1210 Brussels
Accommodation
For delegates planning to travel to Brussels, we have secured preferential accommodation rates and conditions at the Cardo Brussels Hotel
ART King room (single use) per night: EUR 194.00 – including breakfast, VAT and wifi, excluding EUR 5.30 EUR city tax per person.
ART King room (double use) per night: EUR 219.00 – including breakfast, VAT and wifi, excluding EUR 5.30 EUR city tax per person.
To make your reservation, fill in the dedicated on-line booking form HERE.
You are advised to book early to ensure availability.
Group cancellation policy: rooms can be cancelled up to 5 days prior to the arrival date without penalty. After this deadline, the entire stay will be charged in case of cancellation and/or no show onto the credit card of the guest.
Please note that the European Cancer Organisation is not responsible for any travel, hotel or cancellation costs.
Prepare your stay in Brussels
Public transportation
Find out more about Brussels public transport network and plan your journey HERE. Not a frequent Brussels traveller? Then contactless payment is the most convenient solution. Just hold your contactless bank card, smartphone or smartwatch directly against the grey bus, tram or metro validator, and "beep": your journey can begin. Fast and easy. Fare for 1 journey: EUR 2.30.
Taxis
Taxis verts: +32 2 349 49 49
Uber is also available and widely used in Brussels
Accessible taxis
Taxis verts PRM - +32 2 349 49 49
Taxis Verts has vehicles specially equipped with ramps and elevators for persons with reduced mobility (PRM). This service is available 24/7 in and around Brussels. The price is identical to that of a conventional taxi. The waiting time usually varies between 15 to 30 minutes during off-peak hours. During rush hours, please add 30 minutes to the usual waiting time. It’s also possible to pre-book a taxi for later.
Dial +32 2 349 49 49 to order your PRM taxi or request a PRM ride with your mobile phone via by selecting « PRM » from the vehicle options (in service level eCab+). Download the app for free and learn more on http://www.taxisverts.be/
Insurance
The Summit Organisers do not assume any liability for personal injuries sustained or loss of, or damage to, property belonging to Summit delegates (or their accompanying persons), either during or as result of the Summit. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance.
Dress code
The dress code for the Summit sessions and networking reception will be Business Formal.
Security
Delegates are advised not leave any device, bags or belongings unattended throughout the meeting spaces.
The Organisers cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings that may occur during the event.
Speakers
-
Stella Kyriakides Summit Co-Chair & Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
-
David Collingridge Summit Co-Chair & Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet Oncology
Speakers
-
Stella Kyriakides Summit Co-Chair & Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
-
David Collingridge Summit Co-Chair & Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet Oncology
