Young Cancer Professionals

The Young Cancer Professionals (YCP) group is a dynamic and passionate community of early career cancer professionals, united by a common goal to revolutionize cancer care in Europe. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovative thinking, the YCP group aims to rebuild a resilient cancer care system while empowering its members.

Are you passionate about shaping the future of oncology and making a real impact on the development of young cancer professionals across Europe and beyond? 

Applications are now open for the next Young Cancer Professionals (YCP) Steering Committee — a dynamic group of 10 motivated leaders representing over 180 young professionals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. 

Learn more about the committee and the responsibilities of its members here.  

Eligibility Criteria  

Applicants must: 

• Be no older than 40 throughout the full 2-year mandate, starting January 2026 
• Be a member of the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) through their affiliation to one of the Member Societies and of the Young Cancer Professionals Group 

How to Apply 

• Complete the application form, and 
• Send the required letter of support separately to YCP@europeancancer.org 

Deadline: Monday 26 May 2025 

Selection Process & Timeline 

The review of applications and selection will be performed by three appointed ECO Board members focused on securing professional, geographical and gender diversity. The selection process will follow the timeline below: 

• 24 April – 26 May 2025: Applications open  
• June 2025: Review of applications, presentation to the Board and official nomination of new Steering Committee members  
• By 1 July 2025: Notification of all applicants 
• July-December 2025: Onboarding the new Steering Committee and co-creation of the European Cancer Summit session 
• January 2026: Official start of mandate  

We look forward to welcoming proactive, motivated leaders who are committed to amplifying the voice of young cancer professionals across Europe!  

For any questions, please contact Miruna Gutu at miruna.gutu@europeancancer.org.  

Abstract presentations at the European Cancer Summit 2024

Following the success of two consecutive years of abstract submissions, and as part of our Young Cancer Professionals (YCP) group, the European Cancer Organisation is pleased to announce the 16 selected abstracts for 2024. At the European Cancer Summit 2024, delegates exchanged with the authors and learned more about their research during the Networking & Poster Presentations Lunch.

Do you want to join the network?

If you are an early career cancer professional, researcher, public health professional, aged 40 years old or younger and want to join, fill in the information requested in this form. We would love to hear from you!

For any additional questions send an email to YCP@europeancancer.org.

What is the Young Cancer Professionals group?

The future of cancer care in Europe requires the passion and commitment of a new generation of professionals. The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed the healthcare workforce into a full blown crisis, battered by understaffing, inadequate working conditions, and insufficient training. Morale is low and burnout is rampant. The European Cancer Organisation is looking to help chart a new way forward.

The YCP group brings together inspiring people at the dawn of their careers – from physicians and researchers, to psychologists, nurses, pharmacists, and more. Together, they share experiences, offer fresh perspectives, and propose needed insights to rebuild a more resilient cancer system. Professional empowerment will be a key objective throughout.

Together, we must safeguard the cancer workforce in Europe, while engaging in our Focused Topic Networks and policy initiatives.

Why should you join Young Cancer Professionals? 

• Be part of a multidisciplinary group of cancer professionals and have the chance to connect through our group meetings and events; 

• Receive access to educational opportunities organised by our Members Societies and Associate Members; 

• Benefit from dedicated virtual Roundtable events for the Young Cancer Professionals in partnership with our member societies with the opportunity of receiving Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits through our Accreditation Council of Oncology in Europe (ACOE), that recognise the high quality of the education delivered through these events; 

• Facilitated participation in our annual European Cancer Summit, which also hosts, among sessions with leading oncology experts, patients and policymakers, a dedicated session for young cancer professionals, where you have the chance to present your abstract as part of our annual Call for research abstracts that revolve around our key Focused Topic Networks, thus contributing to ECO’s commitment to delivering equitable and effective cancer care globally and translating the best evidence to policy and practice; 

• Have the chance to expand your network thanks to our international collaborations including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the Youth Health Organisation and other youth groups. 

The first open virtual meeting of the Young Cancer Professionals group was held on 14 April 2023 and brought together over 70 participants from across Europe. Since then, the activities of the group were coordinated by the dedicated members of the YCP Steering Committee: 

Nikolina Dodlek
Board member responsible for Young Cancer Professionals