Launch of the first National Cancer Mission Hub, in Poland, marks an important milestone for the implementation of the EU Cancer Mission

The inaugural Cancer Mission Fair, a landmark event uniting voices in the European fight against cancer, will take place in Warsaw, Poland, from May 20th to 22nd, 2025. The first day of the event, occurring at the Forteca Kręgliccy in Warsaw, is organised by Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology (NIO-PIB – Warsaw, Poland) in collaboration with Establishing Cancer Mission Hubs: Networks and Synergies (ECHoS) project, and the European Commission’s EU Cancer Mission (MoC).

This event is being held back-to-back with the annual Warsaw Oncology Conference, marking the opening of the EU Cancer Mission Fair and the launch of the first National Cancer Mission Hub (NCMH) in Europe, marking an important milestone in the implementation of the EU MoC, an initiative under the Horizon Europe research and innovation program.

“The burden of cancer is spread unequally in Europe. In Poland, for example, cancer mortality rates are higher than the EU average. That is why we welcome the establishment of the first Cancer Mission National Hub – the first of many that will contribute to improving cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and care across Europe.” – Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s DG for Research and Innovation, Joanna Drake.

“We are proudly opening the first Cancer Mission Hub in Europe, right here in Poland – at the Maria Skłodowska Curie National Cancer Research Institute. This is a symbol of trust, as well as a commitment to continue building bridges between health policy, scientific research, and the real needs of patients. The Hub does not replace existing institutions – it is designed to support, integrate, and strengthen them so they can work more effectively together: from prevention, through diagnostics, to care and innovations. I believe that the Cancer Mission Hub will become a driving force for wise collaboration across Europe – for better oncology.” – prof. Beata Jagielska, Director of Maria Skłodowska — Curie National Cancer Research Institute, Poland.

“The Polish Cancer Mission Hub is an important step in the implementation of the ECHoS project – but today, it is much more than just a project. In Poland, the Hub is becoming a platform for collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility for the future of oncology. As someone who has the honor of coordinating its development, I hope that through collaboration with engaged institutions and communities, we will create a new quality in Polish and European oncology, while respecting our national realities.
Our goal is to connect initiatives, strengthen the voice of patients, integrate research findings, and support discussions on cancer strategies – both in science and clinical practice. Together – in Poland and in Europe – we can achieve more.” – Prof. Iwona Ługowska – Head of National Cancer Mission Hub, Poland

“Polish oncology needs both a strong national strategy and active participation in European initiatives. The Cancer Mission Hub is an initiative that complements the National Oncology Strategy by supporting better knowledge exchange, the implementation of best practices, and fostering dialogue between science, knowledge development, health policy, and clinical practice. As someone responsible for coordinating the National Oncology Strategy, I closely follow the development of the Hub in Poland as a space for coordination and collaboration – not competition. We need such tools to effectively respond to dynamic challenges, from early diagnostics to modern therapies.” – Prof. Piotr Rutkowski – Head of National Cancer Strategy, Poland

Aiming at raising awareness, and support the implementation of the EU MoC, in Poland and across Europe, the launch event opening will be performed by the Director of the Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology (MSCI, Poland), Beata Jagielska, a written message from the Polish Minister of Health, Izabela Leszczyna, and Andrzej Szeptycki, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Additionally, Joanna Drake, Deputy Director-General at the European Commission’s DG RTD, Adam Jarubas, MEP, Chair of SANT Committee, Christine Chomienne, Vice-Chair of the Mission Cancer Board, Anabela Isidro, member of the AICIB Board and coordinator of the ECHoS project, and Iwona Lugowska, MSCI’s Planipotentiary Director of International Affair, Head of Polish Cancer Mission Hub will introduce National Cancer Mission Hubs.

“Implementing the Cancer Mission requires robust, inclusive, and nationally anchored structures. The launch of the first National Cancer Mission Hub is more than symbolic — it’s a call to action. Together, we are building a Europe that is more prepared, more united, and more determined to rise to the challenge of cancer.” – Anabela Isidro, coordinator, and Hugo Soares, co-coordinator of the ECHoS project.

The National Cancer Mission Hubs, to be gradually established in each Member State and Associated country, will constitute a structure of governance of EU MoC operating across national, regional, and local levels, empowering and promoting a collaborative ecosystem serving the implementation of both EU MoC and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. 

This moment, occurring during the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union, is a milestone for the EU Misson on Cancer and ECHoS project and a landmark in the fight against cancer in Europe. For more information about NCMHs and ECHoS, please visit www.cancermissionhubs.eu.