08:30-09:00

Registration

Registration and badge printing will be on the ground floor again this year, to the right as you enter the hotel. Attendees can then head upstairs for coffee and a continental breakfast before the day's sessions begin.

09:00-09:15

Opening Session

With:

• Csaba Dégi, President, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Full Professor, Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Romania
• Kathy Oliver, Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit & Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Chair and Co-Director, International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA), United Kingdom
• Nicolò Battisti, Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit & Co-Chair, Inequalities Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Consultant Medical Oncologist, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom

09:15-10:30

Breaking Barriers: Confronting Bias, Seen and Unseen, in Cancer Care

Organised by the Inequalities Network

Cancer does not affect all people equally. Gender and sexual identity can be important determinants of cancer and health outcomes. In this session, we focus on how women and LGBTIQ individuals often face unique barriers in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment—barriers rooted in social, economic, and structural inequalities. From disparities in access to screening programmes to bias in medical research and healthcare delivery, these gaps can lead to delayed diagnoses, poorer outcomes, and increased suffering.

This session will emphasise the urgent need for inclusive policies, equitable healthcare systems, and targeted interventions. We will explore insights from ECO’s work on Women and Cancer and discuss the key findings from ECO’s survey on challenges faced by the LGBTIQ community. By identifying obstacles, amplifying voices, and pushing for meaningful change, we aim to ensure that equity is placed at the heart of all cancer policies.

With network co-chairs Nicolò Battisti and Sarah Collen, including speakers: 

• Emma Rafowicz MEP, Member, Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, European Parliament
• Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of the Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
• Stewart O'Callaghan, Founder and CEO, OUTpatients, United Kingdom
• Eva-Maria Strömsholm, Co-Founder, Finnish Association of Gynaecological Cancer Patients, Finland
• Neil Pumford, Vice President, Medical Affairs Europe, AbbVie, United Kingdom

09:15-10:15

Special meeting: HPV Elimination in Southeast Europe

This side meeting will gather key stakeholders and experts from Southeast Europe to discuss new initiatives to advance HPV elimination. Building on ECO’s earlier country-level efforts, the campaign has now expanded to a regional level. The session will share key achievements, highlight progress across participating countries, and outline next steps for ECO and its partners in the area.

10:30-11:00

Coffee Break

11:00-12:15

Not Just Treatment: The Power of Prevention and Cancer Screening

Organised by the Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network

While groundbreaking advancements in treatment continue to save lives, the reality is that too many cancers remain preventable, and too many diagnoses come too late. Now is the time to strengthen action in critical areas such as tobacco, screening, and early detection.

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of cancer, responsible for nearly 27% of all cases across the EU. Despite regulatory progress, new challenges have emerged, particularly with the rising use of novel tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Stricter regulation is needed to protect young people and prevent addiction. At the same time, new technologies in early detection offer an opportunity to transform cancer outcomes by identifying the disease at its earliest, most treatable stages. Through this session, we will explore how Europe can take decisive action to accelerate prevention efforts, modernise screening practices, and build a future where fewer lives are lost to cancer.

With network co-chairs Isabel Rubio and Luis Seijo, including speakers:

• Romana Jerković MEP, Vice-Chair, Committee on Public Health, European Parliament
• Sandra Caldeira, Head of the Disease Prevention Unit, Joint Research Centre, European Commission
• Tanja Španić, Executive Director, Europa Donna Slovenia
• Niko Andre, Head of Oncology for Germany, AstraZeneca

11:00-12:00

Special meeting: Hepatitis & Liver Cancer: Challenges and Action

This session will examine the current status of hepatitis and liver cancer in the European region, highlight ongoing EU efforts to reduce caseloads, showcase best practices and examples, and address the plight of migrants. It will also present ECO’s upcoming priorities and next steps in tackling these challenges.

11:30-12:00

Spotlight: Investing for Impact – taking EU cancer policy to the next level

Europe’s cancer community stands at a crossroads. As the EU prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework, the future of cancer policy and the momentum of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan hang in the balance. Join this side meeting at the European Cancer Summit to explore what is at stake, how united action can accelerate progress, and what lies ahead for 2026 and 2027. Together, let us take EU cancer policy to the next level, investing in efforts that provide impact and hope for millions.

12:15-13:15

Networking Lunch & Poster Presentations

13:15-14:30

Towards the Finish Line: Accelerating Momentum for HPV-related Cancers Elimination in Europe

Organised by the HPV & Hep B Action Network

Europe is making significant strides towards a major public health milestone: the elimination of HPV-related cancers. Thanks to growing political commitment, scientific advancements, and strengthened regional cooperation, this once-distant goal is now within reach. However, achieving elimination requires sustained momentum, strategic execution, and collective action to translate progress into measurable impact.

This session acknowledges that we are at a critical turning point, shifting from planning to implementation. It will showcase the key tools, data, and partnerships driving this transition, including insights from the latest ECO paper on cervical cancer and HPV screening, updates from the ECDC on HPV vaccination monitoring, and the forthcoming revision of the HPV Elimination Atlas.

The message behind this session is clear: Europe is making significant progress, and now is the time to accelerate efforts. Success will not only depend on scaling effective strategies, but also on ensuring that progress reaches every country, every community, and every patient.

With network co-chair Daniel Kelly and vice-chair Amil Družić, including speakers:

• Mihaela Grigore, Prevention HPV Lead, European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) & Chief of Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Iași University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania
• Paolo Berti, Cancer Survivor, Belgium
• Nicoletta Luppi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, MSD Italia & Board Member, Vaccines Europe

13:15-14:15

Special meeting: Young Cancer Professionals Networking Meeting

Join this informal gathering to connect with early-career medical professionals and share experiences, explore opportunities for collaboration and grow your professional network. Whether or not you’re a member of the Young Cancer Professionals Group, come and meet peers who are passionate about improving cancer care and discover what the group has to offer!

13:45-14:15

Spotlight: What does cancer care look like in rural Europe?

This spotlight will bring together cancer community stakeholders to explore how to build on existing evidence and international experiences. The discussion will explore knowledge gaps, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration to address cancer inequalities faced by rural populations. The meeting will serve as a first step towards shaping a coordinated European effort to improve access, outcomes, and policy responses for cancer patients in rural areas.

14:30-14:40

Transition break

14:40-15:20

Young Cancer Voices shaping tomorrow’s European Cancer Policy

Organised by the ECO Young Cancer Professionals Group

In this forward-looking session, young cancer professionals and policymakers take the stage to share their vision for tomorrow’s cancer policy. Drawing from frontline experience and fresh policy insight, these young leaders will reflect on emerging public health threats facing the next generation and explore how to address them. Through a dynamic exchange, they will present their vision for a future European Cancer Policy that can secure ambitious progress in cancer prevention, care, and equity across the continent.

With speakers:

• Nicolae Ștefănuță MEP, Vice-President, European Parliament & Substitute, Committee on Public Health
• Sandrine Daoud, Advisor and Spokesperson of Frank Vandenbroucke, Minister of Social Affairs & Public Health, Belgium

15:20-15:30

Transition break

15:30-15:50

Keynote session with Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare

15:50-16:20     

Coffee break

16:20-17:35

Artificial Intelligence and Cancer Care: A Paradigm Shift in Progress

Organised by the Digital Health Network

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming oncology, offering new possibilities for prevention, early detection, personalised treatment, and advanced research. As AI-driven tools become more integrated into cancer care, they hold the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, optimise clinical workflows, and improve patient outcomes. This session will explore key cross-cutting themes identified in the ECO report on AI, including AI literacy and education, trust and ethics, and the pivotal role of data in the digitalisation of cancer care. As AI technologies evolve, it is critical to ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge to interpret and utilise AI-generated insights effectively. Similarly, ethical considerations, ranging from data privacy to the role of AI in medical decision-making, must remain central to discussions on implementation.

These foundational topics will guide the conversation, complemented by real-world examples and concrete AI applications across the cancer care continuum: from prevention and early detection to treatment and survivorship.

With network co-chairs Wim Oyen, Annemiek Snoeckx, and Alex Eniu, including speakers:

• Brando Benifei MEP, Co-Rapporteur, EU Artificial Intelligence Act, European Parliament
• Saila Rinne, Head of the Artificial Intelligence, Health and Life Sciences Unit, European AI Office, European Commission
• Debra Montague, Member, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & President, Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE), United Kingdom
• Leonor Cerdá-Alberich, Co-PI and Head of Computing and AI, Biomedical Imaging Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Spain
• Belén Fraile Ortiz, Chief R&D Data Science Officer, Johnson & Johnson, United States

16:30-17:30

Special meeting: Healthy Ageing and Cancer: Bridging Evidence and EU Policy

This meeting brings together EU Navigate and SIOG to explore how evidence on navigation programmes for older people can inform EU policy. As the policy landscape shifts, older adults and other vulnerable groups risk being overlooked. The discussion will examine ageing as a key societal factor and the role of ‘healthy ageing’, giving participants a practical opportunity to contribute ideas that can shape EU actions across generations in the coming year.

16:50-17:35

Spotlight: Building Momentum to Improve Men’s Health and Reduce Prostate Cancer

This spotlight session, organised under the Men & Cancer Workstream of the European Cancer Organisation’s Inequalities Network, will highlight the urgent need for stronger political commitment and investment in prostate cancer care across Europe, as well as attention to various men’s health conditions. Experts, clinicians, and patient advocates will discuss lessons from national screening projects, policy progress, and the next steps toward a coordinated European strategy. Insights will feed into ECO’s forthcoming commentary report in 2026.

17:35-18:15

Presenting the top abstracts from ECO’s Young Cancer Professionals

Announcing the Rising Star Grants from the European Cancer Community Foundation 

18:15-20:15

Networking Reception at the Summit venue

08:15-08:45

Registration

Registration and badge printing will be on the ground floor again this year, to the right as you enter the hotel. Attendees can then head upstairs for coffee and a continental breakfast before the day's sessions begin.

08:45-10:00

Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life:  Is the EU Doing Enough?

Organised by the Survivorship & Quality of Life Network

Surviving cancer in Europe today is about more than just overcoming the disease - it is about actively restoring a person's quality of life after treatment. While medical advancements have improved survival rates, the physical, psychological, and social challenges that follow are often underestimated. From lingering health complications and financial insecurity to emotional distress and societal stigma, survivors navigate a complex post-treatment reality that demands more attention. But is the EU doing enough to support them?

This session begins with a powerful survivor testimony, shedding light on the lived experience of cancer survivorship. It then explores how EU policies on survivorship and quality of life have evolved, guided by insights from the new ECO Survivorship and Quality of Life Paper. We will examine best practices, EU-funded research, and evidence-based guidelines, identifying where progress has been made and where barriers to implementation persist.

With network co-chair Luzia Travado, including speakers:

• Billy Kelleher MEP, Substitute, Committee on Public Health, European Parliament
• Fatima Cardoso, President, ABC Global Alliance, Portugal
• Katell Maguet, Patient Advocate, Inspire2Live, The Netherlands
• Adrian Ward, Director, International Oncology Policy, Gilead, United Kingdom
• Régine Kiasuwa Mbengi, Head of Supportive Care and Organisation Unit & Scientist, BE Cancer Centre & Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano

09:30-10:00

Spotlight: Leading Cancer Policy Change through Data: the European Cancer Pulse Impact

How can we best use data to drive better cancer control in Europe? This session will showcase the European Cancer Pulse, a leading tool to illustrate evidence and address cancer inequalities between and within countries. Updates will be shared on the evolution of the Pulse data tool and its content, as well as the development of European Cancer Pulse outputs, such as Country Reports and Policy Indexes. Discussions held during the meeting will contribute to guiding the policy research work of the European Cancer Organisation for 2026.

10:00-10:20

Coffee Break

10:20-11:35

Strengthening the Oncology Workforce: Addressing Shortages, Well-being, and Future Skills

Organised by the Workforce Network

The oncology workforce is facing growing challenges, with staff shortages, increasing workload, and rising levels of burnout placing enormous pressure on healthcare professionals. The demand for cancer care is rising, driven by an ageing population, higher cancer incidence, and more complex treatment protocols, yet the workforce tasked with delivering care is struggling to keep pace. At the same time, cancer care is evolving rapidly, reflecting scientific and technological advancements that require new skill sets and continuous education and professional development.

This session will examine both the challenges and solutions needed to create a resilient and future-ready oncology workforce. It will explore strategies to retain and support professionals, highlighting the importance of healthy work environments. The discussion will also focus on how to ensure that education and professional development programmes evolve to meet the demands of new technologies, digital healthcare, and emerging treatment approaches.

With network co-chairs Wendy Oldenmenger, Mirjam Crul, and Wim Ceelen, including speakers:

• Tomislav Sokol MEP, Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases & Member, Committee on Public Health, European Parliament
• Sabe Sabesan, President, Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA)
• Charlotte Poulussen, Policy Advisor, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Belgium
• Rachel Giles, President, VHL Europa, The Netherlands

10:30-11:30

Special meeting: Advancing Inclusion in Cancer Policy and Practice

This session will explore how to strengthen inclusivity across Europe’s cancer community by addressing persistent underrepresentation and inequalities. Participants will discuss ongoing policy developments and opportunities to better reflect Europe’s diversity in cancer prevention, care, and research. The discussion will highlight how inclusive approaches, from data frameworks to community engagement, can support fairer access, participation, and outcomes, helping ensure that every person affected by cancer is recognised and represented in European initiatives.

11:35-11:45

Transition break

11:45-13:00

National Cancer Control Plans in Focus: Lessons, Challenges, and Future Directions

Organised by the Health Systems & Quality Cancer Care Network

National cancer control plans play a crucial role in reducing the burden of cancer, providing a roadmap to design and implement efficient prevention and control that take into account the context of a country’s cancer burden, risk factors, prevalence, available resources, sociocultural environment and so on. As countries across Europe develop or refine their cancer strategies, valuable insights emerge from reviewing existing cancer plans to analyse what has worked and where gaps exist.

This session will bring together experts who have conducted comprehensive analyses of cancer plans, together with policymakers responsible for developing and implementing cancer plans. They will debate learnings we can draw from existing plans and how to overcome implementation challenges, as well as explore innovative solutions to foster more coordinated, impactful, and patient-centred cancer policies.

With network co-chairs Yolande Lievens, and Piotr Rutkowski, including speakers:

• Tit Albreht, Health Services Research, University of Amsterdam & Head of the Centre for Health Care, National Institute of Public Health of Slovenia & Senior Researcher in the field of health services research, health policy and health systems research & Member of the Scientific Committee, EUPHA
• Marc Van Den Bulcke, Head of Service, Belgian Cancer Centre, Sciensano, Belgium
• Yannick Romero, Senior Knowledge and Advocacy Manager, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Switzerland
• Ariane Weinman, Public Affairs Senior Manager, EURORDIS - Rare Diseases Europe, France
• Jennifer Young, Vice President and Head, Global Business Policy and Public Affairs, Pfizer, United States

12:30-13:00

Spotlight: United by Cancer, Driven by Community: The Story of the European Cancer Community Foundation

This session explores the powerful story of this growing philanthropic effort, how a shared commitment and collaboration gave rise to a movement supporting unmet needs within Europe’s cancer community. Hear from inspiring laureates whose work exemplifies the Foundation’s mission and impact across Europe.

13:00-14:00

Networking Lunch

14:00-15:15

Bringing European Cancer Research to the Next Level: Cooperation, Innovation and Transformation

Organised by the Research Policy Network

EU action on health and life sciences research, including the EU Cancer Mission, has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer control across Europe. By fostering cutting-edge scientific discovery, supporting large-scale collaborative projects, and championing patient-centred innovation, these initiatives have laid a strong foundation for tackling one of Europe’s most pressing health challenges.

Yet the path forward requires even greater ambition. Stronger coordination, long-term strategic goals, the integration of diverse expertise, and the pooling of resources will be key to bringing European research to the next level and ensuring that research and innovation translate into improved outcomes across all European regions.

This session will reflect on the progress achieved and define the next level of ambition for European cancer research. Together, we will explore how strengthened cooperation and a more unified vision can accelerate discovery, inform policy, and drive impactful, sustainable change to reduce the burden of cancer.

Keynote address: Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation

With network co-chair Christine Chomienne, including speakers:

• Annika Nowak, Head of Sector, Cancer Mission Secretariat, Directorate-General Research and Innovation, European Commission, Unit Combatting Diseases, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
• Brian Huntly, President-Elect, European Hematology Association (EHA) & Head of Department of Hematology, University of Cambridge 
• Hugo Soares, Science Manager, Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation (AICIB), Portugal
• Gilliosa Spurrier-Bernard, Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Vice-President, Melanoma Patients Network Europe, France
• Roy A. Jensen, Vice Chancellor and Director, University of Kansas Cancer Center, United States
• Muriel O'Byrne, Senior Vice-President, International Regulatory Affairs, Regeneron, Ireland

14:30-15:15

Spotlight: Advancing Multidisciplinary Cancer Training Across Europe: The INTERACT-EUROPE 100 Experience

This spotlight explores how the INTERACT-EUROPE 100 programme is being implemented within cancer centres across Europe. Speakers will share experiences of applying inter-specialty and inter-professional training within their institutes - highlighting how it helps connect disciplines, strengthen collaboration and build momentum toward more integrated cancer training through shared learning among doctors, nurses and other professionals.

15:15-15:35

Coffee break

15:35-16:50

When Time Is of the Essence: Strengthening Cancer Care in Times of Emergencies and Crises

Organised by the Emergencies & Crises Network

Emergencies and crises have become a recurring challenge for our healthcare systems in recent times. On top of many conflicts throughout the world, first came the COVID-19 pandemic, then the war in Ukraine, followed by the conflict in Gaza, and now the growing trade war, which risks exacerbating medicine shortages. There is also the increasing challenge for cancer patients related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These crises have had profound implications for cancer care, leading to disruptions in treatment, delays in diagnoses, and ultimately, the loss of lives and suffering for countless patients and their families.

By joining forces, we are much stronger in addressing these challenges, finding solutions, and building resilience within our healthcare systems. Only through united efforts can we safeguard the progress made in cancer care and ensure that patients receive the timely, uninterrupted treatment they deserve.

Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission have proven to be powerful catalysts for joint action across borders in the fight against cancer. Now is the time to reinforce commitment and ensure that cancer care remains a priority even in times of crisis.

With network co-chairs Mark Lawler, and Jacek Jassem, including speakers:

• Arman Kacharian, Medical Director, National Cancer Institute, Ukraine 
• Vlad Voiculescu MEP, Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
• Matti Aapro, Past-President, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Board Member, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Switzerland
• Kathy Oliver, Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit & Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Chair and Co-Director, International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA), United Kingdom
• Cecilia Simonelli, Global Special Project Director, Menarini, Italy

16:50-17:00

Closing session

With:

• Csaba Dégi, President, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Full Professor, Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Romania
• Kathy Oliver, Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit & Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Chair and Co-Director, International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA), United Kingdom
• Nicolò Battisti, Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit & Co-Chair, Inequalities Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Consultant Medical Oncologist, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom

 09:00-13:00

ECHoS Town Hall Meeting

This event will bring together key stakeholders from both the ECHoS project and the ECO community to reflect, connect, and shape the future of the EU Mission on Cancer and the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) through the lens of National Cancer Mission Hubs (NCMHs). Held on the day after the European Cancer Summit 2025, this event will be an opportunity to provide input into the implementation of NCMHs in individual countries, share knowledge and plan for future actions.

Register and check out the full programme here. Registrations are open until 14 November 2025