European Cancer Summit 2023 Report: Accelerating Momentum

Last November, the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) convened experts, policymakers, and advocates to address critical issues in cancer care in the midst of a world in ‘perma-crisis.’

A focal point of the European Cancer Summit in Brussels was the launch of the European Cancer Manifesto 2024, titled ‘Time to Accelerate – Europe Together Against Cancer.’  The document outlines priority areas for EU cancer policy, emphasising a collaborative approach that candidates in the upcoming European Parliament elections can endorse. The Manifesto was officially launched during a dedicated Summit session featuring EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides.

‘Accelerating Momentum’ highlights the cancer community’s determination to go further and faster together by addressing policy challenges to significantly improve patient outcomes.  Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan is the opportunity of a lifetime. It has already produced a variety of meaningful cross-border projects to better care for cancer patients and survivors. But, together, we need to do much more - and much more quickly.

A new European Parliament will be elected in June, and the Manifesto reflects the specific proposals received from the European Cancer Organisation’s member societies and patient groups. We need to set clear deadlines for tangible progress.

Cancer won’t wait. Why should we?

Read the full report to discover the rich and diverse discussions from the 12 sessions of the Summit, attended by over 450 delegates in-person and even more participating online.