On 15 November 2021, the Transforming Breast Cancer Together (TBCT) initiative, acknowledging the fragmented approach to breast cancer care among European Member States, dedicated an event to identify the disparities, underpin their consequences and debate solutions to provide all EU citizens with the quality and support they require and deserve throughout their cancer journeys.
With a multi-disciplinary panel consisting of policymakers (MEP Pietro Fiocchi – European Parliament’s Special Committee on Beating Cancer, Ms Luciana Neamtiu – European Commission Joint Research Centre), a professional organisation representative (Dr Fatima Cardoso – ABC Global Alliance) and a representative from a patient organisation (Marzia Zambon – Europa Donna), the virtual event aimed to raise awareness on the different realities of European citizens facing the breast cancer threat. TBCT chair MEP Frances Fitzgerald (EPP) opened the session outlining the need to address the inequalities and harmonise breast cancer care in the EU in light of the goal to implement Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. During the discussion, panelists made clear that there is a need for collaboration between all relevant stakeholders to harmonise breast care in Europe, that clinical research needs to be better developed and more focused on patient-relevant endpoints and that all patients’ needs should be tackled, including the professional, social, financial aspects.
In case you missed it, you can rewatch the event below.