European Cancer Summit

Strengthening Cancer Care: Securing a Healthy, Equitable, Resilient and Competitive Europe

 

Amid political instability, economic pressure, and the risk of escalating conflict, discussions around Europe’s next multiannual budget are intensifying in Brussels and in capitals across the EU.  

 

In this environment, addressing the growing burden of cancer is essential. This unrelenting disease is not only a public health priority, but a strategic investment in Europe’s resilience, social cohesion and long‑term competitiveness.

 

As Europe defines its political priorities for the decade ahead, health and cancer must be embedded at the heart of future investments. At this critical moment, the cancer community must champion a vision for a resilient, equitable and innovative Europe.

 

The European Cancer Summit 2026 will take place in Brussels & online on 18-19 November, followed by EU-funded project events on 20 November. Registrations will open soon.

18 November 2026 19 November 2026

Brussels & online
The Hotel (Bd de Waterloo 38, 1000 Brussels)

The European Cancer Summit 2026 will bring together healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and policymakers for an edition that reflects the urgency and ambition of our times. The discussions will be structured around four policy tracks, echoing this year’s theme.

  • Advancing Cancer Prevention and Early Detection for a Healthier Europe: Prevention, early detection and screening are central to reducing the cancer burden and building a healthier, stronger Europe.
  • Closing the Gaps in Cancer Care for a Fairer, More Equitable Europe: Ensuring all citizens can access high-quality, inclusive cancer care strengthens fairness and social cohesion across the continent.
  • Enhancing Europe’s Cancer System Resilience in an Era of Uncertainty: Robust cancer systems are essential to maintaining care and protecting Europe’s stability, even in times of crisis.
  • Cancer Research and Digital Innovation for a Competitive Europe: Leadership in research, innovation and digital technologies drives better outcomes and secures Europe’s position at the forefront of global cancer care.

This year's European Cancer Summit will be chaired by:

  • Gilliosa Spurrier-Bernard, Board Member and Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO); Vice-President, Melanoma Patient Network Europe
  • Wim Ceelen, Board Member, European Cancer Organisation (ECO); Professor of Surgical Oncology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Speakers

  • Olivér Várhelyi European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
  • Joanna Drake Deputy Director-General, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission
  • Antonio Parenti Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission
  • Victor Negrescu MEP Vice-President, European Parliament & Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Stine Bosse MEP Vice-Chair, Committee for Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Vlad Voiculescu MEP Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament

Speakers

  • Olivér Várhelyi European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
  • Joanna Drake Deputy Director-General, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission
  • Antonio Parenti Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission
  • Victor Negrescu MEP Vice-President, European Parliament & Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Stine Bosse MEP Vice-Chair, Committee for Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Vlad Voiculescu MEP Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Olivér Várhelyi European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
  • Joanna Drake Deputy Director-General, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission Read Bio
  • Antonio Parenti Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission Read Bio
  • Victor Negrescu MEP Vice-President, European Parliament & Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Stine Bosse MEP Vice-Chair, Committee for Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament Read Bio
  • Vlad Voiculescu MEP Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament Read Bio
  • Marta Temido MEP Member, Public Health Committee, European Parliament & Former Portuguese Minister of Health
  • Tilly Metz MEP Vice-Chair, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament Read Bio
  • Tomislav Sokol MEP Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament Read Bio
  • Loucas Fourlas MEP Co-rapporteur, EU Health Workforce Crisis Plan & Vice-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament Read Bio
  • Tuula Helander Deputy Director General, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Read Bio
  • Partha Basu Head, Early Detection, Prevention and Infections Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) Read Bio
  • Isabel Rubio President, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Director, Breast Surgical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra Read Bio
  • Christine Chomienne Co-Chair, Research Policy Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Vice Chair, EU Cancer Mission Board Read Bio
  • Denis Lacombe CEO, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Read Bio
  • Debra Montague President, Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) & Chair, ALK Positive UK Read Bio
  • George Kapetanakis President, Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK) Read Bio
  • Anna Uzlova Co-Founder & CEO, Charity Foundation Inspiration Family Read Bio
  • Alex Filicevas Executive Director, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition & Chair, WECAN & Vice Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) Read Bio
  • Patrycja Rzadkowska Deputy Director General, Pancreatic Cancer Europe Read Bio
  • Jan Geissler CEO, Patvocates Read Bio
  • Robert Greene Patient Consultant, Patient Partner Consultancy & President, Patient Inclusive Advocacy Foundation Read Bio
  • Gilliosa Spurrier-Bernard Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit & Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Vice-President, Melanoma Patients Network Europe Read Bio
  • Daniel Kelly Co-Chair, HPV and Hep B Action Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Emeritus Professor, Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University Read Bio
  • Patrizia Carrieri Co-Chair, HPV and Hep B Action Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Policy and Public Health Committee Member, European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Read Bio
  • Luis Seijo Co-Chair, Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Chair, Pulmonary Medicine Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra
  • Thomas Seufferlein Co-Chair, Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Head of Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Ulm & Secretary General, European Society of Digestive Oncology (ESDO) Read Bio
  • Annemiek Snoeckx Co-Chair, Digital Health Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Head, Radiology Department, Antwerp University Hospital Read Bio
  • Piotr Rutkowski Co-Chair, Health Systems & Quality Cancer Care Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Professor, Head of Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute
  • Yolande Lievens Co-Chair, Health Systems & Quality Cancer Care Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Chair and Professor, Radiation Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University
  • Mark Lawler Co-Chair, Emergencies and Crises Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Chair, Translational Cancer Genomics, Queen's University Belfast Read Bio
  • Jacek Jassem Co-Chair, Emergencies and Crises Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Professor, Medical University of Gdańsk,
  • Luzia Travado Co-Chair, Survivorship and Quality of Life Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Head, Psycho-oncology, Champalimaud Clinical Center Read Bio
  • Anne Letsch Co-Chair, Survivorship and Quality of Life Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Professor for Medical Oncology, Head of Medical Oncology and Cancer Center, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Read Bio
  • Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti Co-Chair, Inequalities Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Consultant Medical Oncologist, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Read Bio
  • Sarah Collen Co-Chair, Inequalities Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & EU Policy Manager, European Association of Urology (EAU)
  • Wendy Oldenmenger Co-Chair, Workforce Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Assistant Professor, Palliative Care and (Hemato)oncology Nursing Research, Erasmus MC Read Bio
  • Mirjam Crul Co-Chair, Workforce Network, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Physician, Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology, Amsterdam UMC Read Bio
  • Wim Ceelen Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit & Board Member, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Professor of Surgical Oncology, Ghent University Read Bio
  • Eva Jolly Head of Karolinska CCC Project Unit, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center Read Bio
  • Ebba Hallersjö Hult Co-founder, Vision Zero Cancer & Senior Advisor, Stockholm School of Economics Read Bio
  • Thomas Hofmarcher Research Director, The Swedish Institute for Health Economics (IHE) Read Bio
  • Mireille Broeders Professor of Personalised Cancer Screening, Radboud University Medical Center & Dutch Expert Centre for Screening, Nijmegen
  • Johan Hartman Professor and Senior Physician, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital Read Bio
  • Annalisa Trama Deputy Coordinator, JANE-2 Joint Action & Head of Evaluative Unit, Epidemiology and Data Science Department, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori Milan Read Bio
  • David Nelson Senior Research Associate, Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health, University of Lincoln Read Bio
  • Navina Evans Former Chief Workforce, Training & Education Officer, NHS England & Former CEO, Health Education England and East London NHS Foundation Trust

Speakers

  • Olivér Várhelyi European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
  • Joanna Drake Deputy Director-General, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission
  • Antonio Parenti Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission
  • Victor Negrescu MEP Vice-President, European Parliament & Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Stine Bosse MEP Vice-Chair, Committee for Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Vlad Voiculescu MEP Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament

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Speakers

  • Olivér Várhelyi European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
  • Joanna Drake Deputy Director-General, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission
  • Antonio Parenti Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission
  • Victor Negrescu MEP Vice-President, European Parliament & Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Stine Bosse MEP Vice-Chair, Committee for Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Vlad Voiculescu MEP Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament

European Cancer Summit 2026 Programme


Wednesday 18 November

 
08:45-09:15
Registration & welcome coffee
   
09:15-09:30
Opening session
 

 With:

  • Isabel Rubio, President, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Director, Breast Surgical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra 
  • Wim Ceelen, Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit & Board Member, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Professor of Surgical Oncology, Ghent University
  • Gilliosa Spurrier-Bernard, Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit & Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Vice-President, Melanoma Patients Network Europe 
POLICY TRACK 1: Advancing Cancer Prevention and Early Detection for a Healthier Europe
   
09:30-10:30
From Stigma to Action: Accelerating HPV and Hepatitis B-related Cancers Elimination
 

Organised by the HPV & Hep B Action Network

 

This session will explore how Europe can accelerate the elimination of cancers related to HPV and Hepatitis B by strengthening vaccination and screening strategies and addressing stigma as a persistent barrier to uptake. The discussion will feature the latest ECO policy tools — HPV Atlas, HPV Vaccination Guide, and Hepatitis B Policy Paper — as practical resources for policymakers and health authorities to accelerate progress toward eliminating these preventable cancers across Europe.

   

With network co-chairs Daniel Kelly and Patrizia Carrieri, including speakers: 

  • Rachel Eagan, Research Fellow, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  • Anne de Middelaer, Co-Chair, European Network of Gynaecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe)
10:30-11:00
Coffee break
   
11:00-12:15
From Risk Reduction to Early Diagnosis: Reimagining Europe’s Cancer Prevention Pathway
 

Organised by the Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network

 

The session will focus on how to strengthen Europe’s approach to cancer prevention and early detection through better risk-factor regulation, advanced screening implementation, and more effective pathways to diagnosis. It will highlight major policy developments, including EU initiatives to reinforce regulation of tobacco and ultra-processed food products, as well as the launch of a landmark report assessing the status and maturity of organised cancer screening programmes across Europe.

   

With network co-chairs Luis Seijo and Thomas Seufferlein, including speakers: 

  • Tilly Metz MEP, Vice-Chair, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Antonio Parenti, Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission
  • Partha Basu, Head, Early Detection, Prevention and Infections Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO)
  • Debra Montague, President, Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) & Chair, ALK Positive UK, United Kingdom
  • Mireille Broeders, Professor of Personalised Cancer Screening, Radboud University Medical Center & Dutch Expert Centre for Screening, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
12:15-13:15
Networking lunch & poster presentation
   
13:15-14:15
SPECIAL SESSION: Cancer Control: The Return on Investment
 

Cancer results in economic losses of more than €200 billion annually across Europe, driven by healthcare costs, lost productivity, labour market disruption, and premature mortality. The session will elaborate on how investing across the cancer pathway — from prevention and early detection to treatment, survivorship, and quality of life — goes beyond reducing mortality and improving patient outcomes to also strengthening workforce participation, lowering long-term healthcare costs, and enhancing productivity.

   

With:

  • Vlad Voiculescu MEP, Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Isabel Rubio, President, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Director, Breast Surgical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra
  • Gilliosa Spurrier-Bernard, Co-Chair, European Cancer Summit & Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) & Vice-President, Melanoma Patients Network Europe
  • Thomas Hofmarcher, Research Director, The Swedish Institute for Health Economics (IHE)
14:15-14:30
Session transition with refreshments
   
 
POLICY TRACK 2: Cancer Research and Digital Innovation for a Competitive Europe
   
14:30-14:50
Keynote Presentation 
   
14:50-15:00
Session transition
   
15:00-16:10
Digital Cancer Innovation for Better Care and a Stronger Europe
 

Organised by the Digital Health Network

 

This session will explore how cutting-edge digital technologies — from shared data ecosystems and AI-supported decision tools to digital pathology — can transform cancer care while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.

Speakers will showcase how digital solutions can accelerate and improve diagnosis, treatment precision, and build a more future-ready European cancer ecosystem. They will also discuss opportunities to link cancer and cardiovascular disease screening pathways, with the support of AI.

   

With network co-chair Annemiek Snoeckx, including speakers: 

  • Tomislav Sokol MEP, Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Rozemarijn Vliegenthart, Professor of Cardiothoracic Imaging and Radiologist, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
  • Johan Hartman, Professor and Senior Physician, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital
  • Alex Filicevas, Executive Director, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition & Chair, WECAN & Vice Chair, Patient Advisory Committee, European Cancer Organisation (ECO)
16:10-16:40
Coffee break
   
16:40-17:50
Strengthening Europe’s Cancer Clinical Trials Landscape
 

Organised by the Research Policy Network

 

This session will examine the critical role of cancer clinical trials in driving meaningful progress for patients and health systems. It will explore how streamlined regulatory pathways can accelerate access to new therapies and optimise treatment delivery. Speakers will discuss what it takes to reinforce Europe’s leadership in oncology research and innovation, ensuring that clinical trials remain a cornerstone of high-quality, equitable cancer care.

   

With network co-chair Christine Chomienne, including speakers: 

  • Stine Bosse MEP, Vice-Chair, Committee for Public Health, European Parliament
  • Joanna Drake, Deputy Director-General, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission
  • Denis Lacombe, CEO, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)
  • Bettina Ryll, Founder, Melanoma Patient Network Europe (MPNE)
  • Eva Jolly, Head of Karolinska CCC Project Unit, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center
17:50-18:30
The Top Abstracts from ECO’s Young Cancer Professionals
   
18:30-20:30
Networking reception at the Summit venue

 

 

Thursday 19 November

 
08:45-09:15
Registration & welcome coffee
   
 
POLICY TRACK 3: Enhancing Europe’s Cancer System Resilience in an Era of Uncertainty
   
09:15-10:15
National Cancer Control Plans: Placing Cancer Above Political Cycles
 

Organised by the Health Systems and Quality Cancer Care Network

 

The session will explore the critical role of National Cancer Control Plans in maintaining sustained political commitment to reducing the burden of cancer at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and competing political priorities. By leveraging the momentum created by Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and integrating emerging EU-supported cancer networks and infrastructures into national health systems, European countries can reduce future disease burden and plan adequate resources to provide equitable, high-quality cancer care.

   

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

  • Victor Negrescu MEP, Vice-President, European Parliament & Member, Committee on Public Health
  • George Kapetanakis, President, Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK)
  • Ebba Hallersjö Hult, Co-founder, Vision Zero Cancer & Senior Advisor, Stockholm School of Economics
  • Annalisa Trama, Deputy Coordinator, JANE-2 Joint Action & Head of Evaluative Unit, Epidemiology and Data Science Department, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori Milan
10:15-10:25
Session transition
   
10:25-10:45
Keynote
   
10:45-11:15
Coffee break
   
11:15-12:30
Protecting Cancer Care as Critical Infrastructure in Times of Crisis
 

Organised by the Emergencies and Crises Network

 

As geopolitical tensions rise, cancer care must be recognised and protected as critical infrastructure vulnerable to disruption. The session will examine how to safeguard oncology care under such conditions. It will explore protection — securing facilities, digital systems, and data integrity; continuity — ensuring patient pathways, workforce stability, and access to cross-border treatment; and preparedness — strengthening planning, governance, and coordination so cancer services remain operational during crises.

   

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

  • Tuula Helander, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
  • Anna Uzlova, Co-Founder & CEO, Charity Foundation Inspiration Family, Ukraine
12:30-13:30
Networking lunch
   
 
POLICY TRACK 4: Closing the Gaps in Cancer Care for a Fairer and More Equitable Europe
   
13:30-14:45
From Vision to Action - The European Survivorship & Quality-of-life Checklist
 

Organised by the Survivorship and Quality of Life Network

 

The session will examine survivorship and quality of life as a structural equity challenge in European cancer care, where major gaps persist in implementation, access and outcomes. Despite increased policy attention, support services remain uneven and fragmented across Europe.  During the session, the ECO European Survivorship & Quality of Life Checklist will be presented as a practical framework to translate commitments into measurable standards and to track progress consistently across countries.

   

With network co-chairs Luzia Travado and Anne Letsch, including speakers: 

  • Marta Temido MEP, Member, Public Health Committee, European Parliament & Former Portuguese Minister of Health
  • Jan Geissler, CEO, Patvocates
  • Cinzia Brunelli, Senior Researcher palliative care, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan & Coordinator, EUonQoL Project
14:45-15:00
Session transition with refreshments
   
15:00-16:00
Bridging the Distance: Reducing Rural–Urban Gaps in Cancer Care
 

Organised by the Inequalities Network

 

Building on last year’s successful spotlight session on the topic, this year’s session will explore the persistent disparities in cancer outcomes between rural and urban populations and the system-level changes needed to close them. Speakers will discuss barriers to early detection, timely diagnosis, specialist access, and treatment continuity in rural settings, and look at possible solutions.

   

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

  • David Nelson, Senior Research Associate, Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health, University of Lincoln
  • Patrycja Rzadkowska, Deputy Director General, Pancreatic Cancer Europe
16:00-16:30
Coffee break
   
16:30-17:30
Inclusive Leadership for Better Cancer Care
 

Organised by the Workforce Network

 

A more diverse cancer workforce and leadership can deliver culturally responsive, patient-centred care while also improving equity within the workplace. The session will examine multiple dimensions of diversity in the cancer workforce — including gender, ethnic background, and age — and the specific challenges associated with each. The discussion will highlight the barriers that professionals may face in reaching leadership positions and the benefits of addressing these gaps for patients, healthcare professionals and cancer systems as a whole.

   

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

  • Loucas Fourlas MEP, Co-rapporteur, EU Health Workforce Crisis Plan & Vice-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Navina Evans, Former Chief Workforce, Training & Education Officer, NHS England & Former CEO, Health Education England and East London NHS Foundation Trust
  • Robert Greene, Patient Consultant, Patient Partner Consultancy & President, Patient Inclusive Advocacy Foundation
17:30-17:45
Closing session

 

Speakers

  • Olivér Várhelyi European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
  • Joanna Drake Deputy Director-General, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission
  • Antonio Parenti Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission
  • Victor Negrescu MEP Vice-President, European Parliament & Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Stine Bosse MEP Vice-Chair, Committee for Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Vlad Voiculescu MEP Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament

Call for Abstracts

abstracts horizontal 16 9

Following the fourth year of abstract submissions in 2025 and the continued growth of the Young Cancer Professionals (YCP) group, we are pleased to announce the opening of this year’s European Cancer Summit abstract submission process, which will close on Friday, 31 July 2026 at 17:00 CEST.

Who can submit?

Abstract submissions are open to lead authors who are 40 years old or younger as of 15 November 2026 (and therefore eligible to join the ECO Young Cancer Professionals group). We particularly encourage lead author submissions from academics and junior clinicians. Submissions are welcome from eligible authors based preferably in Europe, but also internationally, with priority given to ECO Member Societies and their members.

Please note that applications to join the ECO Young Cancer Professionals group should be made separately by contacting ycp@europeancancer.org.

Why submit?

A maximum of 20 outstanding abstracts will be chosen for display in the Poster Exhibition at the Summit in Brussels on 18-19 November 2026, with authors invited to introduce their work during the event. From these, up to three will be selected to deliver a formal presentation at the European Cancer Summit. Only young cancer professionals listed as authors on the abstract submission will be eligible for a presentation.

Lead authors of (up to 20) selected abstracts will receive free registration for the Summit. All accepted abstracts will also be published on the ECO website and, after the Summit, in the Journal of Cancer Policy. Kindly note that travel and accommodation for finalist authors attending the Summit cannot be covered by ECO.

You can find the abstracts selected from the European Cancer Summit 2025 here.   

Eligible topics

ECO is committed to delivering equitable and effective cancer care globally, translating the best evidence into policy and practice. Research abstracts must fit within our key  Focused Topic Networks, which cover all priority areas of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and EU Cancer Mission recommendations.

The key categories are:  

Abstracts will be selected to ensure representation across all Focused Topic Networks.

Please note that abstracts focusing exclusively on clinical research fall outside the scope of the European Cancer Summit and will not be considered under this call.

Submission Guidelines

The abstract should be a maximum of 400 words (excluding the title and references) and must include the following subheadings:

1. Title in UPPER CASE

2. Background: Explain the importance, relevance, and existing knowledge gaps related to the subject.  

3. Methods: Describe the research methods employed in the study. 

4. Results: Present the findings and outcomes of the study. Only abstracts with final results available at the time of submission will be considered.

5. Conclusions and practical implementation: Draw conclusions based on the study results, including considerations for practical implementation.

6. References 

Each abstract may include a maximum of one figure or table and up to three references. Authors must use this Word template to prepare their submission and email the completed document in PDF format to summitabstract@europeancancer.org. The file should be named as follows: Last name_First name_title.pdf. Submissions must include proper acknowledgement of authors and affiliations and specify one Focused Topic Network.

Abstracts do not need to be exclusive and may have been submitted to other events. Authors should ensure compliance with any rules regarding prior or simultaneous submissions to other conferences or publications.

Review process

Each abstract will be blindly reviewed by the Co-Chairs of the relevant Focused Topic Network and ECO board-appointed reviewers. Evaluation will follow the abstract scoring grid, which should be consulted along with the submission guidelines before finalising your abstract. Reviewers will use the scoring grid as a framework during evaluation.

Submission timeline

Please submit your abstract via email to summitabstract@europeancancer.org, indicating the Focused Topic Network selected. The deadline is Friday, 31 July 2026 at 17:00 CEST. Abstracts submitted after this time will not be accepted.

Lead authors will be notified in early October 2026 and, if selected, invited to present their work at the Summit in Brussels.

We encourage you to promote this opportunity to your members and contacts. Should you have any questions, please send us an email at summitabstract@europeancancer.org

Speakers

  • Olivér Várhelyi European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
  • Joanna Drake Deputy Director-General, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission
  • Antonio Parenti Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission
  • Victor Negrescu MEP Vice-President, European Parliament & Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Stine Bosse MEP Vice-Chair, Committee for Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Vlad Voiculescu MEP Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament

Celebrate the impact of INTERACT-EUROPE 100 and EUonQoL!

Directly following the European Cancer Summit, on 20 November and at the same venue, leaders in EU policy, oncology, and advocacy will meet for an in-depth discussion about two stellar EU-funded initiatives. These projects are key drivers of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission – providing powerful examples of collaboration across Europe:

INTERACT logo disclaimer

European Conference on Inter-Speciality Cancer Training and Care: Advancing Collaboration, Skills and Person-Centred Care through INTERACT-EUROPE 100

Bringing together Europe’s oncology community at a pivotal moment, this conference will showcase the achievements of INTERACT-EUROPE 100 while charting the next phase of inter-speciality cancer training. It offers a unique opportunity to transform the programme’s success into lasting, system-wide adoption for better cancer care and outcomes.

Registrations will open soon here.
EUONQOL logo disclaimer

Quality of Life and Cancer Policy Forum: Bridging Research, Practice and Policy-Making

This multi-stakeholder event marks the culmination of the EUonQoL project promoting quality of life in cancer care, with a strategic focus on policy translation and sustainability. It also serves as the multistakeholder event of the Quality of Life - Patient-Centred Care cluster of the EU Mission on Cancer, bringing together nine EU-funded projects for a joint high-level collaborative policy discussion.

Registrations will open soon here.

Speakers

  • Olivér Várhelyi European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
  • Joanna Drake Deputy Director-General, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission
  • Antonio Parenti Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission
  • Victor Negrescu MEP Vice-President, European Parliament & Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Stine Bosse MEP Vice-Chair, Committee for Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Vlad Voiculescu MEP Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament

Media Partners

  • Member Societies of the European Cancer Organisation
  • Patient Advisory Committee of the European Cancer Organisation
  • Community 365 of the European Cancer Organisation
  • Journal of Cancer Policy
  • touchONCOLOGY
  • CancerWorld
  • OncoDaily
  • Floq

Speakers

  • Olivér Várhelyi European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
  • Joanna Drake Deputy Director-General, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Commission
  • Antonio Parenti Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission
  • Victor Negrescu MEP Vice-President, European Parliament & Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Stine Bosse MEP Vice-Chair, Committee for Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament
  • Vlad Voiculescu MEP Member, Committee on Public Health & Co-Chair, Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, European Parliament