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Denis Horgan: Flipping the Script on Cancer – From Awareness to Action

Denis Horgan/ecancer.org

Feb 6, 2025, 05:01

Denis Horgan: Flipping the Script on Cancer – From Awareness to Action

Denis Horgan, Chair of ICGC ARGO Independent Advisory Committee at International Cancer Genome Consortium, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Flipping the Script on Cancer – From Awareness to Action.

Brussels, February 5th, 2025: The day after World Cancer Day offers a moment of reflection. This year, millions across Europe marked the occasion by posting upside-down photos, symbolizing solidarity with those battling cancer. But symbolism alone cannot save lives. It’s time to turn these images right-side up by converting awareness into action, policy into progress, and innovation into impact.

Progress Made, But the Battle Is Unfinished.

Europe has made strides in cancer control, with national plans, expanded screening programs, and EU-funded research saving lives. Tobacco use has declined, and cross-border collaborations like the European Reference Networks (ERNs) have improved care for rare cancers. Yet disparities in access to screening, treatment, and survivorship care persist, especially in rural communities and marginalized groups.

The European Commission’s Beating Cancer Plan offers a bold vision to address these gaps, but we must act swiftly. As the WHO warns, cancer cases in Europe could rise by 24% by 2035 if we do not act.

The Pillars of Progress: Equity, Prevention, and Personalization.

Three priorities demand immediate attention:

Bridging the Equity Gap.
No one should die of cancer because of where they live or their income. Member States must invest in infrastructure to ensure universal access to screening, diagnostics, and affordable therapies.

Prevention as a Lifeline.
Up to 40% of cancers are preventable. While tobacco control has shown results, Europe must do more to tackle alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and pollution through regulations and education.

Personalized Medicine: A Game-Changer.
Precision therapies promise better outcomes, but adoption remains slow. The European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EA4PM) must advocate for integrating these approaches into national health systems.

The Role of Innovation and Collaboration.
Emerging technologies, like AI-driven diagnostics, offer transformative potential. Europe must prioritize interoperable health databases and ethical frameworks. Collaboration in rare cancer research through ERNs is crucial.

A Call to Action: Turn the Picture Right Side Up.
The upside-down photos of World Cancer Day remind us the fight isn’t over. To flip them upright requires action. Policymakers must implement Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan now. Healthcare systems must prioritize survivorship and palliative care. Researchers and industry must accelerate breakthroughs. By championing policies prioritizing equity, prevention, and innovation, we ensure no one is left behind.

EAPM will play a pivotal role by uniting policymakers.

On World Cancer Day, we turned our photos upside down. Let’s turn the tide on cancer itself. Together, we can ensure that cancer’s shadow gives way to a future defined by hope and resilience.”