The ECHoS Journey has just begun.

A Kick-Off to reshape the future of cancer care and research.

ECHoS, Establishing of Cancer Mission Hubs: Networks and Synergies, a three-year European consortium supported by EU Mission: Cancer, will play a vital role in supporting the bold and inspirational goals defined by this European initiative. Bringing together the expertise of more than 57 leading organisations, from governmental, healthcare, research, academic and non-profit sectors, this key consortium will ultimately provide Member States and Associated Countries (MS/AC) with the capacity to gradually create National Cancer Mission Hubs (NCMHs). These NCMHs, operating at national, regional, and local levels, will have a vital role in involving all relevant stakeholders, including citizens, in cancer-related policy dialogues.

Held over three days in Lisbon, from the 2nd to 4th of May 2023, the kick-off meeting featured insightful discussions, impactful presentations, and engaging roundtables with more than 100 attendees and 700 YouTube visualizations. These discussions shed some light for the much-needed collaboration and innovation to establish a roadmap in the fight against cancer:

“A lot of progress has been achieved, (…) so much happening in terms of research, in terms of innovation, in terms of diagnostics, in terms of really granular research that then leads to better treatment, over the past years (…). But the burden remains heavy. And it continues to grow in Europe.”

Joanna Drake, Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation

This remark emphasizes the driving force behind ECHoS. Aligned with the ambition of EU Mission: Cancer, ECHoS aims “To improve the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through prevention, cure and for those affected by cancer including their families, to live longer and better”.

Representatives from international organisations, non-governmental organisations, governmental bodies, academic institutions, and even patient advocate entities were present, including the European Commission, European Parliament and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, underscoring the diverse range of expertise and perspectives brought together by ECHoS.

“This is the project of the European Cancer Mission Hubs and the energy in the room is incredible. So, I’m hopeful that we are going to make real progress on Cancer Mission.”

Bettina Ryll, Melanoma Patient Network Europe

ECHoS is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer care and, as the journey begins, stakeholders and interested parties eagerly await the outcomes and impact that this ambitious project will undoubtedly bring to the lives of those in need.

If you are interested in the European Strategy on Cancer, Synergies regarding Cancer Research and Policy Actions, or even Multistakeholders and Citizens Engagement, you can rewatch our Kick-off Event.