European Cancer Summit 2024 Report: United Against Cancer

The European Cancer Summit Report is now available.

In the midst of a changing political climate in Europe, the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) convened experts, policymakers, and advocates to pave the way towards new horizons in cancer care.

The European Cancer Summit 2024 – which took place on 20 and 21 November in Brussels and online – was a milestone moment for reflection. Four years after the launch of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and at the end of Stella Kyriakides’ leadership as EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, the report takes stock of the progress achieved. It also calls on the cancer community, policymakers, and society at large to ensure that the current momentum translates into meaningful improvements in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for all patients.

PRESS RELEASE - Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi meets representatives from the cancer community to discuss Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

The European Cancer Organisation details a unique success story

Yesterday, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, met leaders of the European Cancer Organisation, including its president, Prof. Csaba Dégi, and its newly appointed CEO, Elisabetta Zanon, to discuss the state of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and what lies ahead.

During the meeting, the cancer community representatives presented a one-page fact sheet to the Commissioner highlighting many key achievements of the plan and why the plan should be continued and updated in the next EU financial period.

A Major Initiative for Cancer & Rare Diseases

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO), EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe, and the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) welcome a major initiative from the European Parliament's Conference of Presidents: the creation of a new ‘Intergroup on Cancer & Rare Diseases’ for the 2024-2029 legislature. 

This evening, the Intergroup held its first constitutive meeting at the European Parliament in Brussels, officially appointing MEP Vlad Voiculescu (Renew, Romania) as Chair. The appointed Vice-Chairs include Stine Bosse (Renew, Denmark), Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA, Luxembourg), Alessandra Moretti (S&D, Italy), and Tomislav Sokol (EPP, Croatia). 

ECO’s Young Cancer Professionals Meet EU’s Health Commissioner

The newly appointed EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi hosted a delegation of European Cancer Organisation’s Young Cancer Professionals as well as Young Cancer Survivors for a Youth Policy Dialogue. The young experts come from 10 different European countries and cover specialisations ranging from oncology nursing, digital medicine, and clinical trials to cancer policy.

ECO Marks World Cancer Day 2025

Cancer is one of the greatest challenges of our time, with more than 2.7 million Europeans diagnosed every year. However, thanks to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the cancer community is now more energised than ever before. Together, we are driving innovative approaches that are improving prevention and care. This World Cancer Day presents a prime opportunity to reflect on this progress and build on these achievements.

‘There is no doubt that Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan is improving the lives of those affected by cancer,’ said Prof. Csaba Dégi, president of the European Cancer Organisation (ECO). ‘While we celebrate our successes, we must also recognise that there is much more to do. We must ensure that cancer remains high on the political agenda over the next five years. To save many more lives, we need to complete, refresh, and expand the Plan.’

ECO President at World Economic Forum 2025

‘Financing Cancer Plans, Now and in the Future’

From 20 to 24 January, global leaders gathered in Davos, Switzerland for the annual World Economic Forum (WEF). Under the theme ‘Collaboration for the Intelligent Age’, the Forum addressed key global and regional challenges, including the urgent need to strengthen cancer care systems worldwide.

With global cancer rates projected to rise by nearly seven million cases over the next decade – and the economic toll of cancer expected to reach $25.2 trillion over the next 30 years – tackling this public health crisis has become a global priority. Discussions during WEF 2025 focused on innovative strategies for early detection, value-based financing, advancements in science, and the future of cancer care.

The European Cancer Pulse: From Data Intelligence to Policy Action

An article published online by Queen’s University Belfast highlights an innovative data tool to quickly and easily track cancer inequalities across Europe and the impact they have on cancer outcomes. Called the European Cancer Pulse, this data intelligence resource was developed by the European Cancer Organisation.

Elisabetta Zanon Appointed New Chief Executive Officer for the European Cancer Organisation

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Elisabetta Zanon as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 February.

Publication of the Review Article on Essential Requirements for Quality Cancer Care for ovarian cancer: Focus on the multidisciplinary team

Following the publication of the full version of the Essential Requirements for Quality Cancer Care: Ovarian, we are excited to announce the release of a condensed review article.

This new document, crafted by European experts from diverse disciplines, provides a concise overview of the critical elements needed to establish high-quality ovarian cancer care. It outlines practical, universally applicable recommendations addressing disparities in services and capabilities across healthcare systems.