Europa Donna – The European Breast Cancer Coalition has announced the appointment of new Executive Board members and a Vice President, marking an important step in strengthening patient advocacy, clinical expertise, and strategic leadership across Europe. The newly elected representatives from Sweden, Belgium, Albania and Luxembourg bring diverse professional backgrounds and a shared commitment to advancing breast cancer care, research, and policy, while reinforcing the organisation’s leadership at the European level.
Strengthening Patient Advocacy Across Europe
The inclusion of new board members reflects Europa Donna’s ongoing mission to ensure that the voices of patients remain central to decision-making processes in breast cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. By combining advocacy experience with clinical insight, the organisation aims to advance equitable, evidence-based care for all women affected by breast cancer across European countries.
Susanne Dieroff Hay (Sweden)
Susanne Dieroff Hay, Chair of the Swedish Breast Cancer Association, was elected to the Europa Donna Executive Board in January 2026. A prominent patient advocate, she has played a significant role in representing the needs and perspectives of individuals living with and beyond breast cancer in Sweden.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen patient involvement in research initiatives and policy discussions at the European level. Dieroff Hay has consistently advocated for more equitable access to high-quality care and the integration of patient perspectives into clinical decision-making. Her leadership will support Europa Donna’s efforts to promote evidence-based practices and reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes across Europe.
Mirela Roman (Belgium)
Dr. Mirela Roman, a Brussels-based medical doctor specialising in breast cancer surgery and care, joins the Board bringing extensive clinical expertise. Her professional background offers valuable insight into the practical challenges faced by healthcare providers and patients within complex healthcare systems.
Dr. Roman’s contribution will focus on advancing strategic advocacy for high-quality treatment standards and fostering collaboration between countries. By bridging clinical practice and policy advocacy, she is expected to support initiatives aimed at improving surgical care, multidisciplinary coordination, and patient outcomes across the region.
Donjeta Zeqa (Albania)
Donjeta Zeqa, representing Albania, has been elected to the Executive Board of Europa Donna – The European Breast Cancer Coalition. A prominent breast cancer patient advocate, she serves as President of Europa Donna Albania, the national affiliate of the Coalition, and has been actively involved in advancing patient rights and cancer awareness for more than a decade.
Based in Tirana, Zeqa has dedicated her work to strengthening patient advocacy, promoting early detection, and supporting improvements in national cancer care policies. Under her leadership, Europa Donna Albania has played an important role in raising public awareness about breast cancer and advocating for better access to screening, treatment, and supportive care services.
Ingrid Krücken (Luxembourg) — Vice President
Ingrid Krücken, a long-standing advocate with Europa Donna Luxembourg, has been elected Vice President of the Coalition. Her appointment reflects years of dedicated service to breast cancer advocacy and organisational development at both national and European levels.
Krücken brings substantial experience in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and patient support initiatives. As Vice President, she will play a key role in guiding the organisation’s strategic direction, strengthening partnerships, and amplifying the impact of advocacy efforts throughout Europe.
Advancing the Mission of Europa Donna
The addition of these leaders underscores Europa Donna’s commitment to a multidisciplinary approach that integrates patient voices, clinical expertise, and policy leadership. Together, the new Board members are poised to contribute to the Coalition’s goals of improving prevention, early detection, treatment quality, and survivorship care.
Their collective experience will help drive forward initiatives that address inequalities in access to care, support research informed by patient needs, and promote collaboration among European nations.
Discover more articles like this on OncoDaily.