Five Years of the EU Cancer Mission: Stronger Through Connection
Five years ago, the European Union launched the EU Cancer Mission as part of the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme. With an ambitious goal at its core, the EU Cancer Mission aims to improve the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through better cancer prevention, earlier detection, more effective treatment and an improved quality of life for people living with cancer and their families.
Together with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU Cancer Mission represents the European Commission’s commitment to tackling the growing burden of cancer across Europe. By bringing together research, innovation, healthcare and policy, the initiative seeks to accelerate progress and make a tangible difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.
Celebrating five years of progress and collaboration
To mark this five-year milestone, the European Commission organised the three-day event “5 Years of the EU Cancer Mission: Stronger Through Connection”, which took place from 29 September to 1 October. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past five years, while also looking ahead at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in cancer research and care.
Over the course of three days, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, patients, innovators and representatives from industry came together to exchange knowledge, share experiences and discuss ongoing projects and breakthroughs in cancer prevention, early detection and personalised care.
Gliomatch represented at the EU Cancer Mission event
The Gliomatch project was also represented during this important event. Prof. Frederik De Smet, project coordinator of the European research project Gliomatch, attended the event and represented the project and its contribution to European cancer research.
As a European research initiative, Gliomatch contributes to the broader ambition of the EU Cancer Mission by working towards more personalised and effective approaches to cancer care. Being part of an event that brings together so many different stakeholders provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from other European initiatives and strengthen connections within the cancer research community.
The five-year anniversary of the EU Cancer Mission was therefore not only a moment to celebrate what has already been achieved, but also a reminder of the importance of continued collaboration. By working together across research, healthcare, policy, industry and patient communities, Europe can continue to accelerate innovation and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.
You can watch the session that explores how strengthened data sharing can accelerate progress in cancer research, prevention and care. It focuses on the development and implementation of the Understanding Cancer platform (UNCAN.eu), a flagship initiative of the EU Cancer Mission, and its role within a broader European cancer data ecosystem, and how it can work in synergy with major EU initiatives, research infrastructures and research projects. Here