Insight

Feb 5, 2025, 10:32

We Should All Work Together and Not in Silos: Hugo Soares

During the ECHoS: Establishing Cancer Mission National Hubs session at the ELLOK 9th Conference, Hugo Soares delivered a call to action that resonated across the room.

“What I would like to bring here today is the concept of what a National Cancer Mission Hub is, what it means, what it aims for, and why we need it – not just in Greece, but in every country of Europe.”

Reflecting on the broader social and political context, Soares highlighted a milestone from 2019: “It was with great honor and joy that we saw in 2019 that cancer was established as a priority in health and research.” This marked a shift toward a united effort to fight cancer, combining health, research, education, and innovation into a joint initiative. “We should all work together and not in silos,” he urged.

Soares explained the concept of mission-oriented research.

“Words have meaning. The word ‘mission’ on cancer is not just branding but has a meaning behind it. It’s a different way of doing research – research oriented toward great social challenges… You need not just the scientists, the researchers, and academia, but also patients, the industry, the social sector, welfare, schools, and education. Prevention doesn’t happen in hospitals – it happens in schools, in communities.”

Soares outlined the bold goals of the Cancer Mission, such as the European Cancer Patient Digital Centre, which envisions “personalized information for each patient in Europe in one single, what we call, smart card that you can bring to another country and be treated as well as in your own.” He also stressed the importance of comprehensive cancer centers and networks to foster innovation and collaboration.

Introducing ECHoS, Soares explained its purpose: “ECHoS is developing the tools, the knowledge, the networks that will help those in different countries to do this in the correct way—by sharing experience, learning from each other, and building capacity together.”

He clarified that the National Cancer Missions are not responsible for implementing specific initiatives like registries or genetic screening but are tasked with mobilizing and engaging local resources. “It’s up to those in the country with the capacity to do so to be engaged and mobilized,” he noted.

In closing, Soares reiterated the collaborative spirit of the Cancer Mission. “Putting actions into policies and policies into actions by mobilizing resources and stakeholders. No one is left behind.”

We Should All Work Together and Not in Silos: Hugo Soares