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Policy News from our Member Societies and Patient Advocacy Groups - April 2022

13 May 2022

In April's edition of our montly update, we highlighted the following current policy initiatives of our Member Societies and Patient Advisory Committee:

  • EORTC: Joining Forces to Optimise Cancer Treatments in Clinical Practice: EMA & EORTC Launch Cancer Medicines Forum with Academia

A significant step at the European level and in terms of regulatory science, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) together with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has launched the Cancer Medicines Forum (CMF). Bringing together representatives from academia and the European medicines regulatory network, the CMF aims to advance research into optimising cancer treatments and contribute to fostering high standards in cancer care in the EU.

Denis Lacombe, EORTC Chief Executive Officer, said:

"Major innovations have emerged in recent years, that help cancer patients by offering them new tools to fight their disease. However, as new treatments become available, their optimal use often remains poorly documented – leaving patients, doctors and society facing many questions."

Through the CMF, EORTC and EMA will be working together to establish new routes for identifying evidence gaps and to develop more effective solutions for access to cancer treatment through healthcare systems.

Read more here.

  • EONS: European Cancer Nursing Day (ECND) 2022

European Cancer Nursing Day (ECND) takes place annually on 18 May. This year’s theme will be: ‘Supporting cancer nurses in caring for themselves and their patients’. ECND is organised by the European Society of Oncology Nursing (EONS).

Inviting the wider healthcare community to support ECND22, Johan De Munter, EONS President, said:

"During the pandemic, existing issues related to burnout, stress and resilience have increased, resulting in many leaving our profession. ECND22 will focus on the importance of self-care and well-being for cancer nurses, on occupational health, and on retention and recruitment – all of which impact on the quality of patient care. Our virtual campaign will highlight the issues facing cancer nurses and inspire and support them in their invaluable work caring for cancer patients."

You can support the social media campaign at #ECND22Go4SelfCare.

Find out more here.

  • WBCPC: Help Bring Much-needed Attention to Bladder Cancer During the Bladder Cancer Awareness Month in May

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) invites patient advocates, healthcare professionals and policy-makers to join in the new campaign and help bring much-needed attention to bladder cancer during the Bladder Cancer Awareness Month in May.

Every year, over 200,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer in Europe, and for many, it is the first time they hear of the disease. Greater awareness of signs and symptoms to look out for is crucial and acting on them without delay as early diagnosis is key to significantly increasing the chance of long-term survival and quality of life.
 
During Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, WBCPC will spark conversations that drive awareness around the disease by honing in on the most common symptom, blood in urine, and the common reaction to experiencing it. The vast majority of things we’re embarrassed about are harmless, however, these symptoms might not be.

Alex Filicevas, Executive Director of WBCPC, said:

"The discovery of blood in the urine and the fact that any medical consultation requires people to talk about, and refer to, intimate parts of their body can, for some, induce anxious, worried and embarrassed feelings. People should feel confident to come forward and get the help and advice they need – and that is the key message of our campaign this year."

It’s a strong, single-minded campaign thought: Don’t feel embarrassed by these symptoms or by talking about them. Act on them.
 
WBCPC invites all stakeholders to get involved, help us spread the message and share the campaign with your network, colleagues and patient communities in your country. With your help, we can reach more people affected by bladder cancer.

If you would like resources in your language, get in touch with WBCPC. You can find more information about the campaign and all resources here.