ESMO Launched Globalised Patient Advocates Working Group on World Cancer Day

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) announced the launch of its newly globalised Patient Advocates Working Group (PAWG).

Comprising 12 members representing patient advocate organisations from Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, and Africa, PAWG aims to address challenges faced by cancer patients and develop a comprehensive global patient strategy.

Jean-Yves Blay, ESMO Director of Public Policy, highlights the significance of this initiative:

“Uniting patient advocates from various parts of the world will foster a closer connection, allowing patients to share their diverse backgrounds and insights into a global approach to patient advocacy. This collaboration will strengthen our collective ability to develop more impactful strategies to address the global cancer burden.”

Zorana Maravic, CEO of Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE) and a PAWG member, echoes this sentiment:

“Having a global patient advocates group is essential to amplifying the voices of those affected by cancer worldwide, securing access to early diagnosis, treatment, and care. Collaboration across borders drives policy change, fosters research, and empowers patients to shape a healthcare system that truly meets their needs.”

Following the ESMO Patient Engagement Summit at the ESMO Asia Congress in December 2024, which facilitated discussions on cancer care challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, the globalisation of PAWG marks a critical step towards patient-centered oncology.

“It is imperative that we acknowledge the significance of a global patient advocacy group as a crucial component that strengthens the collective oncology expertise.” says Ranjit Kaur Pritam Singh, PAWG member and Advisory Board Member of the Asia Pacific Oncology Alliance (APOA).

Launching PAWG on World Cancer Day reinforces the importance of patient advocacy in oncology, aligning with the theme “United by Unique” to elevate individual experiences through shared insights. The group’s mission includes:

• Providing information about cancer, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and survivorship.
• Organising forums for patient organisations to express concerns and contribute to policy discussions.
• Enhancing patient involvement in the oncology community.
• Supporting physicians and healthcare providers in understanding patient needs for improved communication and care.
• Strengthening coalitions between patient representatives, cancer physicians, and healthcare professionals to enhance cancer care quality.
• Assisting in obtaining specialist advice for rare or complex cancer cases.

2025-2026 ESMO Patient Advocates Working Group (PAWG)

Chair: TBD
Committee Members:

• Agata Polińska (Alivia – Fundacja Onkologiczna, Poland)
• Belinda Jago (ANZUP, Australia)
• Lise-lott Eriksson (Blodcancerforum, Sweden)
• Ranjit Kaur Pritam Singh (Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia)
• Georgia Garofalo (Desmóide Brasil)
• Zorana Maravic (Digestive Cancers Europe, Belgium)
• Georgios Kapetanakis (ELLOK, Greece)
• Ingrid Krücken (Europa Donna Luxembourg)
• Prisca Githuka (Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations)
• Anne-Marie Baird (Lung Cancer Europe, Switzerland)
• Richard Vines (Rare Cancers Australia)
• Jasmine MacGowan (Save Your Skin Foundation, Canada)

By fostering international collaboration, ESMO’s PAWG is set to drive meaningful change in cancer advocacy, ensuring patient voices are heard and integrated into the global fight against cancer.