Welcome
The European branch of the International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC) is dedicated to ensuring the promise of innovation reaches cancer patients across Europe. Guided by the Draghi Report, the EU Cancer Mission, and the European Beating Cancer Plan, we prioritize transforming words into action. Below are our key focus areas, with examples from across the EU, to advocate for equitable, innovative, and timely cancer care.
We advocate for full implementation of the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive to provide patients with access to specialized treatments across borders. Initiatives like the European Reference Networks (ERNs) for rare cancers demonstrate the potential for collaboration. We push for further streamlining to ensure all patients benefit from innovation regardless of location.
Delivering on the Beating Cancer Plan requires patient-centered solutions. The Comprehensive Cancer Infrastructures piloted in France and the Netherlands highlight the impact of integrated care models. We call for the expansion of such best practices across all EU member states.
Timely cancer care is critical. Denmark’s “cancer packages” have shown success in reducing delays, serving as a model for other countries. We advocate for implementing fast-track systems and addressing systemic barriers, particularly in regions with significant delays, like Eastern Europe.
Disparities in trial access across the EU must be addressed. The EU Clinical Trials Regulation streamlines approvals, but patients in underserved regions still face challenges. We call for harmonized policies and expanded cross-border access to ensure all patients benefit from cutting-edge research.
Our Global Cancer Care Equity Index reveals that Western European countries like the United Kingdom excel in innovation, but Eastern European nations struggle with workforce capacity and financial barriers, creating a stark divide in cancer care equity across the region.
Screening saves lives, yet access is uneven across Europe. Finland’s high coverage in breast cancer screening contrasts with gaps in Eastern Europe. We advocate for expanding the EU’s Cancer Screening Scheme and incorporating innovative diagnostics, such as AI-powered imaging, to ensure early detection for all.
AI is transforming cancer care, but ethical concerns must be addressed. Initiatives in Estonia and the Czech Republic show promise but underscore the need for robust EU-wide guidelines. We advocate for frameworks that ensure data transparency, protect privacy, and prioritize patient benefit.
The healthcare workforce shortage threatens cancer care delivery. Regional disparities in oncologist availability, as seen in Italy, exacerbate the issue. We support expanding training programs like Erasmus+ and leveraging digital tools to bolster the workforce and deliver timely care.
By addressing these priorities, we aim to bridge gaps in cancer care, bring innovation closer to patients, and ensure equitable access to life-saving treatments across Europe.
