Representatives of governments and parliaments from EU member states and beyond, members of the European Parliament, medical societies, patient organizations, diplomats, experts, and healthcare collaborators participated in the “Transforming Cancer Care Together” event, which took place on October 16 at the Romanian Parliament Palace.
Romania was the first European country to adopt a National Cancer Control Plan aligned with the European Cancer Plan recommendations and demonstrated its capacity to manage complex public health initiatives. In this context, the “Transforming Cancer Care Together” project aims to improve the cancer patient journey by creating a pan-European collaboration platform to support the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices.
“It is important to continue finding solutions for early cancer detection, which is why the establishment of mandatory annual minimum service packages is necessary. At the same time, it is crucial to propose reimbursement for screening services for various types of cancer, expand breast and colorectal cancer screening programs nationwide, and implement awareness, education, and health campaigns on risk factors, as well as health education projects from school,” said Prof. Dr. Adrian Streinu-Cercel, President of the Health Committee, Senate of Romania.
The meeting aimed to debate and develop evidence-based recommendations to optimize the policies and strategies needed for the implementation of National Cancer Plans in European countries.
Thus, by sharing the most effective approaches to managing cancer patients from Romania and other European countries, collective evidence-based recommendations can be developed to optimize the strategies for National Cancer Plans, focusing on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancer patients, as well as relevant actions for cancer survivors.
“The National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan is an ambitious tool that promotes an integrated approach to oncological care, aligned with European strategic directions. The President of Romania and the Presidential Administration have supported the urgent need for a dedicated plan and supported its development process. However, they emphasize that success is not achieved merely by its adoption; it is a long-term process. We must focus on investments in health education, on providing accurate information to the public, and on changing mindsets regarding the responsibility for a healthy lifestyle. It is essential to promote a prevention culture and encourage citizens to adopt healthy habits from a young age. It is also crucial to accelerate the implementation of screening programs and increase access to innovative treatments, ensuring comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment. The exchange of best practices between European countries can offer implementable solutions at the national level, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems,” said Prof. Dr. Diana Loreta Păun, Presidential Advisor, Public Health Department, Presidential Administration.
“Prevention is the key to fighting this insidious and growing disease. In Romania, most cases are still diagnosed at later stages. Therefore, I believe we should act in a joint effort to develop and intensify prevention actions and early detection programs for this disease. I insist on the development of prevention programs and ensuring that existing screening programs, which prioritize vulnerable individuals, are developed, expanded, and made more accessible. However, the real challenge is to make people access them consistently. Oncology is a field where patients cannot afford to wait. It is also a disease that involves more than just medical care. Cancer patients need social and economic support to fight the disease,” added Prof. Dr. Carmen Orban, Advisor to the Prime Minister’s Chancellery.
In this project, Asociația Credu conducted an analysis based on a questionnaire addressed to guests from several European countries present at the event, aiming to identify challenges and opportunities in implementing National Cancer Plans according to the European Cancer Plan.
“The results highlighted significant challenges such as the lack of structured national plans and accurate statistics. These gaps limit the ability to assess progress in cancer control and to implement effective screening programs. Countries like Romania, with more advanced healthcare infrastructure, focus efforts on improving access to innovative treatments and reducing diagnostic delays. The greatest opportunities for improving cancer care include creating a national strategy for monitoring statistics, improving access to treatments, and strengthening psychological support networks. The introduction of ‘patient navigators’ to guide patients through the healthcare system is also essential for ensuring timely diagnoses and treatments,” added Oana Voicu, President of Asociația CREDU.
“Five years ago, the European Parliament made the fight against cancer a priority by allocating resources for research and innovation and supporting cancer patients. Following the development of this plan, national strategies for access to screening and early diagnosis were established through a European information system, and we supported the training of medical personnel and cooperation between member states. With a budget of 4 billion euros, the European Cancer Plan focuses on prevention, treatment, and improving the quality of life for patients, reforming the oncological approach at the European level for a better future. Health remains a priority for the European Parliament and the future multiannual budget of the European Union,” added Siegfried Mureșan, Member of the European Parliament.
Representatives of governments, national parliaments, European institutions, patient organizations, civil society, and healthcare experts present at the “Transforming Cancer Care Together” event signed a five-point declaration expressing their desire to collaborate with national and European institutions, patient communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers to create a future in which cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and in which every patient has the opportunity for a longer and healthier life.
“The meeting was remarkable, presenting new challenges and significant changes in the approach to oncological diseases. We are optimistic that having a national cancer plan will provide a more coherent and transparent approach. Establishing a clear pathway for patient access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring services will undoubtedly improve their quality of life and life expectancy. This represents the most important result of the collaborative efforts of professionals, decision-makers, and patient organizations,” said Radu Gănescu, President of the Coalition of Patient Organizations with Chronic Diseases in Romania (COPAC).
“Improving European collaboration in the fight against cancer is essential to address common challenges and optimize available resources and knowledge. Transforming Cancer Care Together provides an intersectoral platform to support political decision-making. The diverse perspectives of the participants allow us to view the needs of patients and the ecosystem needed to provide high-quality and cost-effective solutions in a holistic manner. Proactively, we invite countries that are not yet members of the European Union to actively participate in this initiative, as access to healthcare is a universal human right within and outside the EU. Together, we can defeat cancer,” added Frank Loeffler, General Director of Roche Romania.
The event was organized by Asociația CREDU, a non-governmental organization dedicated to health education and national health policies, under the auspices of the Presidential Administration of Romania, the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, the Senate Health Committee, and the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Coalition of Patient Organizations with Chronic Diseases in Romania and with the support of Roche Romania.