ICPC believes that informed patients and communities are better equipped to navigate the complexities of cancer care. Health literacy—the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information—is a cornerstone of equitable healthcare, yet significant gaps persist worldwide.
ICPC is dedicated to fostering health literacy through targeted educational initiatives that address both general cancer awareness and specific aspects of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. These efforts include multilingual, culturally sensitive materials that meet the needs of diverse populations.
The coalition’s initiatives empower individuals to recognize early signs and symptoms of cancer, make informed decisions about treatment options, and advocate for themselves within healthcare systems. For healthcare professionals, ICPC offers educational programs that promote best practices in patient communication and shared decision-making.
By bridging knowledge gaps and fostering trust between patients, healthcare providers, and institutions, ICPC supports a global movement toward more informed, empowered, and health-literate communities.
Explore the vital role of patient advocacy and health literacy in cancer care through the videos below:
Dr. Peter Kapitein from Inspire2Live highlights how patient advocacy drives research priorities and influences policy, emphasizing the power of patient voices in shaping cancer care.
Watch here
Dr. Barry Stein, President and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada, explores how patient advocacy impacts cancer care and policies, empowering patients to influence research and treatment decisions. Watch here
Dr. Ebba Hallersjo Hult, Co-Founder of Vision Zero Cancer, discusses how strong patient support networks can empower individuals and improve quality of life for those affected by cancer. Watch here
Dr. Erik Briers, Vice Chair of Europa Uomo, emphasizes the importance of patient engagement in research, exploring strategies to integrate patient perspectives into cancer research priorities and outcomes. Watch here
These perspectives align with ICPC’s mission to bridge health literacy gaps, foster trust, and empower patients and communities globally.
