They call for improved early cancer detection

This is urgent improve early cancer detection and working conditions of oncology specialists, according to the manifesto “Time to accelerate: together against cancer” which was launched by the European Cancer Organization (ECO) and the Foundation for Excellence and Quality in Oncology.

The manifesto sets out recommendations for future EU cancer policy at the next session of the European Commission for 2024-2029. This is the result of input from and consultation with a large number of organizations and individuals actively involved in pan-European collaboration on cancer policy, as well as specific consultation with thematic networks of the European Organization Against Cancer (ECO).

The recommendations of the “Time to Accelerate” manifesto reflect the experience and perspectives accumulated over the period five unprecedented years of EU cancer policy, which has attracted unprecedented attention and investment through the European Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Research Mission.

“The seeds recently sown by the European Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Research Mission must be watered to full growth. Political commitment must be renewed. We must continue to recognize and respond to new needs now. and the technological advances of our European community in the fight against cancer,” the document says.

For cancers that are more likely to be detected and diagnosed early, they offer significantly increased chances of treatment success, in many cases offering the possibility of radical treatment; have a greater variety of therapeutic options, including less invasive or toxic treatments, with less risk and impact on quality of life; offer simpler and less expensive treatment options; and prevent more serious symptoms and complications associated with cancer.

Policies that can promote early cancer detection include:

• Access and use of cancer screening programs.
• Raising awareness of early signs and symptoms of cancer.
• Rapid access to health services, including the development of primary health care skills, allowing immediate medical attention for any problem of this type.
• Monitoring groups at increased risk of developing cancer, such as people with hepatitis B and C.

In addition, in the field of cancer detection there are several simultaneous scientific, technical and practical revolutions, including:

• Better adaptation and performance of detection programs.
• Updating technologies used to detect cancer.
• Increasing knowledge of individual genetic susceptibility to cancer.
• Use of artificial intelligence.
• Availability of new technologies such as liquid biopsy and other biomarkers.

On the other hand, EU cancer policy needs to be rebalanced and updated to take advantage of better opportunities, such as: improved public health knowledge about early warning signs of cancer; harness the full potential of new areas of science and understanding, such as hereditary cancer risk; support the use of AI in early detection and diagnosis programs to improve accuracy and efficiency; and introduce new tools such as liquid biopsies and tests for the early detection of multiple cancers.

And in order to balance and make cancer screening policy in the EU comprehensive, it is recommended to recognize the importance of increasing research, understanding and supporting tools regarding hereditary cancer risk.

On the other hand, the statement emphasizes oncology department staff, “In crisis.” “They take care of us, but do we take care of them? The oncology workforce shortage is not a race against time. It has arrived. European oncologists are the driving force behind health systems in fighting cancer and achieving better outcomes,” he warns.

Without specialized personnel there can be no cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, monitoring and survival; “The right of cancer patients to receive specialized, multidisciplinary care will never be realized until the serious and pressing crisis of oncology workforce shortages is addressed,” he adds.

To address the workforce crisis in health care and oncology in Europe, the governments of the 27 EU Member States are encouraged to develop and agree on EU Council recommendations to address the workforce crisis in health care in Europe. Such recommendations should be reached through a co-creation process that includes broad, public and targeted consultation with stakeholders.

In addition, in conjunction with this recommendation, a pan-European study on the extent, causes and policy solutions to the health workforce shortage should be immediately undertaken. The study, among other needs, should also examine short-, medium- and long-term skills needs and gaps in cancer care in Europe, and the role of primary care in improving the use of health care resources. oncology.

“The next European elections will be key ensure continuity of the European Cancer Plan. We must ensure a united political front that lifts up institutions so that cancer continues to be a high priority issue for both Spaniards and the rest of Europeans. To achieve this goal, it is important that this awareness begins in every member country and that our government also includes the fight against cancer as a priority on the agenda,” warns Jesús García-Fonsillas, President of the IVF Foundation.