The European Cancer Summit 2025, organised by the European Cancer Organisation (ECO), took place on November 19th–20th in Brussels, Belgium, at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Grand Place Brussels. The theme for this year’s summit was: “Cancer in a Changing Global Landscape: Challenges and Commitments.”
The summit’s core objective was to unite the broad cancer community to secure sustained political and financial support for cancer care as a health and societal priority, particularly in an era of global disruption. The event served as a high-level, multi-stakeholder forum, bringing together healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers – including several MEPs and the European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare – to discuss challenges, safeguard patient care, and ensure the achievements of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the Cancer Mission are maintained.
15 Posts Not to Miss from European Cancer Summit 2025:
“Today we kicked off the 2025 edition of the European Cancer Organisation Summit! With more than 600 registered attendees, 78 speakers, and participants representing 44 countries, this year’s event is more international than ever—bringing together people from across the globe.
In my welcome speech as President of the organisation, I highlighted the importance of our 2025 theme: “Cancer in a Changing Global Landscape: Challenges and Commitments.” I also emphasised that even in challenging times, we must not forget that our partnerships, collaborations, and shared hopes remain our greatest strengths.
During the opening session, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with this year’s Co-Chairs: Kathy Oliver, Patient Advisory Committee at ECO, and Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.”
“MEP Romana Jerković very critical on lack of concrete policy action on tobacco and alcohol stressing three key issues:
1. Concrete sustainable financial support to the implementation of policy action at both EU and Member state levels
2. Aligning priorities and policies at EU and Member state levels.
3. Enhancing political will for concerted policy action on cancer.”
“The European Cancer Community Foundation has been in the spotlight over the two days of the European Cancer Organisation Cancer Summit in Brussels.
Showcasing the vision and mission of the Foundation with the attendees and demonstrating the work that has been achieved in the last 2 years, providing over 50K in grants to colleagues across Europe.
As Founder and Chair of the Founfation I am particularly proud of this achievement. However this brings even greater responsibility to secure more donations that will allow us to continue and fortify our work.
Spread the word and become an ambassador for the Foundation, its mission…more efficient, effective, equitable and inclusive cancer care.”
“During the final session of ECO Summit chaired by Gilliosa SPURRIER-BERNARD & Rudi Dierckx we had the privilege of listening the top 3 YCP Selected Abstracts — each one highlighting innovative thinking, rigorous methodology, and a clear commitment to transforming cancer care across Europe.
A heartfelt thank you to the authors, reviewers, and the entire ECO team for recognising and elevating this important work. Celebrating these top contributions is a reminder of how much talent and passion exist within our field — and how vital it is to keep creating spaces where such achievements can be shared.”
“Yesterday I had the pleasure of co-chairing the session “Towards the Finish Line: Accelerating Momentum for HPV-related Cancers Elimination in Europe” with Daniel Kelly OBE at the European Cancer Summit 2025.
I was especially moved by Paolo BERTI, a head and neck cancer survivor, who shared a powerful and emotional testimony that reminded us why HPV prevention and early action truly matter.
Grateful as well to Mihaela Grigore, Silvia Romeo, MEP Nicolás González Casares, Karam Adel and Nicoletta Luppi for their inspiring contributions to moving us closer to making HPV-related cancer elimination a real European success story.”
“A full room today for the Young Cancer Professionals meeting at the European Cancer Summit 2025!
It was a true pleasure to serve as YCP Steering Committee member for these two years together with an amazing group of colleagues and friends.”
“Massive congratulations to the European Cancer Organisation on an exceptional Summit 2025!
An inspiring gathering of leaders, policymakers, innovators, and advocates all working towards stronger, smarter, and more equitable cancer care across Europe. The sessions were insightful, the discussions impactful, and the organisation absolutely outstanding!”
“First day yesterday at the European Cancer Summit meeting my friends in Cancer Mission Board, Christine Chomienne and Christos Tsagkaris (Nevenka Maher is missing), Mabon ap Gwynfor from Wales, Per Wahlstedt from Sweden and many more!
Had the pleasure speaking at a session about Ageing with Cancer together with Martine Extermann and Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti from SIOG – International Society of Geriatric Oncology, Rose Miranda from the EU-NAVIGATE project and Richard Price and Marion L’hôte from European Cancer Organisation. Thank you all for an interesting day!”
“Wonderful to see Quality of Life (QoL) take centre stage at the European Cancer Summit!
The session “Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life: Is Europe Doing Enough?” highlighted a crucial truth: surviving cancer is not just about beating the disease – it’s about restoring lives. From physical and psychological challenges to social and financial hurdles, the post-treatment journey deserves as much attention as treatment itself.
At TOUR: Transforming cancer OUtcomes through Research, in collaboration with EORTC – European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer and colleagues all over Europe (e.g. The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Dr Netty Kinsella (RN, MSc, PhD) Erasmus MC Olga Husson Bernhard Holzner), we are committed to advancing research that places QoL at the heart of cancer care. Our work focuses on developing evidence-based approaches and tools that ensure patients not only live longer but live better.
We look forward to strengthening collaborations and driving impact for patients across Europe. Together, we can make survivorship a priority, not an afterthought.
Learn more about the Summit and its important discussions.”
“Re-united with my friend Mike Morrissey – what a pleasure to share thoughts and plans for the present and the future – not long ago we led the European Cancer Organisation – now we both walk on different paths but equally exciting and inspiring.
Till next time my friend.”
“The morning session of the European Cancer Summit “Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life: Is Europe Doing Enough?” was a powerful one!
Prof. Fatima Cardoso, President of the ABC Global Alliance, spoke passionately about the changing landscape of survivorship, reminding us that survivorship is no longer only about those who finish curative treatment.
While progress has been made, survival increasing from 26% to 33% over the past decade, and improvements in quality of life, major gaps remain.
Dr. Cardoso highlighted some of the most common issues:
– Inequalities in access to care are widening, both between and within European countries.
– 80% of patients report emotional and psychological distress, yet fewer than half of clinicians assess quality of life.
– Supportive services such as physiotherapy, nutrition, and palliative care are still too often out-of-pocket.
Her message was clear and compelling:
“I hope many of you can join us and fight for these patients so that they are no longer FORGOTTEN.”
One thing is clear, survivorship must become a structured, funded, and equitable pillar of cancer policy, because people living with and beyond cancer deserve not only more years, but better ones.”
“European Cancer Organisation Summit Brussels | D1
One message, crystal clear: Europe’s cancer crisis demands action, not just words.
We all know the statistics. We’ve all seen the projections. Cancer rates across Europe continue to rise, and millions of patients and families are counting on us to deliver real solutions.
Our patients need accessible treatments. They need timely diagnoses. They need hope backed by concrete action. They need support to navigate the complex system.
It’s time to move from rhetoric to results.
It´s time to:
✓ Accelerate equitable access to innovative therapies across all member states
✓ Invest in prevention and early detection programs that save lives
✓ Break down the barriers that delay life-saving treatments
✓ Put patients at the center of every decision we make
Our patients can’t afford the European Commission shifting agenda, from health to weapons.
They need us to work WITH urgency, WITH collaboration, and WITH them.
Let’s make this the moment when Europe transforms its cancer care from aspiration to achievement.”
“One of the most inspiring moments of the European Cancer Summit 2025 was also the spotlight on the ECO Community Foundation – a remarkable initiative designed to open doors, empower professionals, and strengthen cancer care across Europe.
- Provide grants and funding opportunities that support education, research, and innovation
- Create pathways for early-career professionals and emerging leaders
- Build a community where knowledge, experience, and resources are shared for the benefit of patients and the oncology workforce
These kinds of opportunities have the power to change careers, strengthen health systems, and spark new collaborations. Seeing the Foundation’s vision presented so clearly was a reminder of how essential structured support is for driving meaningful, long-term impact.
A very special thanks to Prof. Andreas Charalambous, whose leadership, commitment, and tireless advocacy have been instrumental in shaping this initiative. His belief in empowering the oncology community – especially young professionals – continues to inspire so many of us.”
“Today I had the privilege of meeting Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, once again during our European Cancer Organisation Summit in Brüxelles.
This year’s event kicked off with a forward-looking keynote session from the Commissioner, setting the tone for meaningful discussions and valuable insights. A great start to an important gathering.”
“Massive congratulations to the European Cancer Organisation on an exceptional Summit 2025!
An inspiring gathering of leaders, policymakers, innovators, and advocates all working towards stronger, smarter, and more equitable cancer care across Europe. The sessions were insightful, the discussions impactful, and the organisation absolutely outstanding!”
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