IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION IN CANCER RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTED AHEAD OF WORLD CANCER DAY 2018
The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL), Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE Europe, or SIOPE) are coming together to mark World Cancer Day on 4 February 2018. Cancer is an accelerating global disease, and we must join forces to advance research and improve patient outcomes across the European Union (EU) and beyond. In 2014, cancer accounted for 26.4% of all deaths in the EU-28.
This World Cancer Day, ECL, Cancer Research UK and SIOPE are highlighting the importance of collaboration in cancer research. Cancer knows no borders, and research is taking place across the EU, improving survival and giving people more time. We need to continue to ensure that EU policies and the regulatory environment support international medical collaboration.
Sarah Woolnough, Executive Director of Policy and Information at Cancer Research UK said: “
International collaboration is the backbone of research. Cancer Research UK directly funds nearly 200 clinical trials, and 28% of these involve at least one other EU country. On World Cancer Day, we want to raise awareness and celebrate the importance of collaboration to beat cancer sooner for patients across Europe and beyond.”
Rui Medeiros, an ECL Executive Board member says: “
We must consider research as the key source for new solutions on cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, comprehensive engagement of the community on the need of collaboration in cancer research and strengthening the role of its representative organizations such as ECL is a must.”
Collaboration is particularly important for research into rare cancers, where populations are small in individual member states, including all childhood cancers. Prof. Martin Schrappe, SIOPE President said: “
Childhood cancers remain the leading cause of children’s death by disease in Europe over the age of one and contributes to morbidity in survivors. Urgently needed progress can only be achieved through continued multi-stakeholder cooperation. SIOPE counts on all actors to join us in further efforts towards boosting therapeutic innovation for children and adolescents with cancer.”
There is still a lot to be done to beat cancer and we are determined to ensure patient access to innovation by continuous engagement in research and collaboration with decision-makers, patients, healthcare professionals, researchers and others to fight the increasing cancer burden.
[1] http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Cancer_statistics
About SIOPE
The European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOP Europe or SIOPE) is the only pan-European organisation representing all professionals working in the field of childhood cancers. With more than 1,680 members across 35 countries, SIOPE is leading the way to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for all children and adolescents with cancer in Europe. The SIOPE Strategic Plan ‘A European Cancer Plan for Children and Adolescents’ includes specific objectives and implementation platforms to achieve this mission. Learn more:
www.siope.eu and follow us on
Twitter ,
LinkedIn &
Facebook.
About Cancer Research UK
- Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.
- Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.
- Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated.
- Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last forty years.
- Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years.
- Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.
- Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call +44 (0)300 123 1022 or visit
www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL)
The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) is a non-profit, pan-European umbrella organisation of national and regional cancer societies. Located in Brussels, ECL provides an exclusive platform for members to collaborate with their international peers, primarily in the areas of cancer prevention, tobacco control, access to medicines and patient support, and creates opportunities to advocate for these issues at the EU level.
ECL’s VISION: Europe free of cancers
ECL’s MISSION: To advocate for improved cancer control and care in Europe through facilitating collaboration between cancer leagues, and influencing EU and pan-European policies.
For more information please visit
www.europeancancerleagues.org and follow @cancerleagues on Twitter and Facebook.
