31 March – 4 April 2025
Raising Awareness for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
AYA Week is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the distinct challenges faced by Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer. This age group—neither children nor fully independent adults—faces unique difficulties in diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and support. Too often, their needs are overlooked by systems designed for other age groups.
From 31 March to 4 April 2025, SIOPE is joining the global campaign to draw attention to these challenges and to promote meaningful action at both the community and policy levels. This year’s activities include a cultural event focused on lived experience and continued work to develop stronger frameworks for specialised care.
We are highlighting ongoing efforts within the JANE 2 project, where SIOPE contributes to the creation of a Network of Expertise on Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. This work supports more tailored, collaborative oncology care for young people across Europe.
We are also proud to present a public screening of the sitcom Ho preso un granchio, created with contributions from AYA patients, families, and members of the SIOPE AYA Committee. The screening, taking place at the Italian Institute of Culture in Brussels, offers space to reflect on the AYA experience through storytelling, humour, and open conversation.
AYA Movie Screening at the Italian Institute of Culture in Brussels
Date: Friday 4 April 2025
Time: 19:00
Venue: Italian Institute of Culture, Rue de Livourne 38, 1000 Brussels
SIOPE is pleased to collaborate with the Italian Institute of Culture in Brussels for a special screening of the sitcom Ho preso un granchio, created by a member of the SIOPE AYA Committee in collaboration with AYA patients, families, and caregivers. The evening will include short talks from the creators and participants, followed by a panel discussion with healthcare professionals and patient advocates.
- Andrea Ferrari, who will introduce the screening and speak about the purpose of the sitcom and the importance of AYA Week
- Giorgia Bisesti and Marta Isabella, patient advocates and actors in the series, who will share behind-the-scenes reflections
- A panel discussion featuring Ferrari, Bisesti, Isabella, and Carmelo Rizzari, SIOPE Past President, discussing the creative process, AYA cancer care, and personal experiences
- Mariangela Fiorente, patient advocate and SIOPE team member, who will moderate the discussion
Through storytelling, humour, and open conversation, the evening will reflect on the lived experience of young people affected by cancer.
Golden ribbons will be available in exchange for donations at the event as a gesture of support for the cause.
The audience will include stakeholders in cancer care and research, members of the AYA community, the general public, and attendees from Italian cultural institutions in Brussels.
AYA Projects in Focus
JANE 2 – Joint Action on Networks of Expertise on Cancer
During AYA Week, SIOPE continues to promote its role in JANE 2, a key EU4Health initiative supporting the development of specialised Networks of Expertise in Cancer. The Network of Expertise on Adolescents and Young Adults (NoE on AYA) is working to improve access to appropriate care, policy development, and clinical collaboration across Europe.
Learn more about the project here.
EU CAYAS NET– European Network of Youth Cancer Survivors
Continuing our journey through AYA Cancer Awareness Week, we highlight the EU CAYAS NET project, a collaborative EU project, where SIOPE has an active role.
The aim of this project is to establish an EU Network of Youth Cancer Survivors by bringing together existing stakeholder organisations, and through this network, improve social networking and develop a platform to improve links amongst individuals, patients, CAYA cancer survivors, carers, researchers, and social and health professionals active in cancer prevention and care across the Union.
SIOP Europe is working on WP4 and WP5. Want to learn more about this project? Visit here.
Save the Date
SIOPE Annual Meeting – Budapest, 14 May 2025
Session title: “AYA Cancer Policy across the EU: Are we close to a consensus?”
SIOPE will continue the AYA conversation at the 6th SIOPE Annual Meeting, hosting a dedicated session on the state of AYA cancer policy in Europe. This session will assess current gaps and emerging opportunities in cross-border support for AYA patients.
Not registered yet? Register here
Stay Connected
Follow SIOPE on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram throughout AYA Week 2025 and help share the message by using the campaign hashtags #AYAawareness #AYAWeek #AYA2025.