Tit Albreht Honored with Prestigious Inaugural Award for Improving Cancer Outcomes

Sometimes, change doesn’t come from a laboratory or a hospital ward—it starts with one person’s unwavering belief in a better, fairer system for everyone. For Dr. Tit Albreht, that belief has driven decades of work dedicated to transforming cancer care not just in his home country of Slovenia, but across Europe.

When Systems Need Healing: Dr. Albreht’s Mission

Long before global conferences or EU policy papers, Dr. Tit Albreht began his career with a simple goal—to make health systems work for people. Trained as a physician, his heart always beat for something larger than clinical practice. He wanted to understand how systems function, how policy shapes lives, and most of all, how to ensure that no one’s cancer diagnosis becomes a death sentence because of where they live.

It was this deep commitment that would lead him down the path of public health, research, and European health policy.

“You can treat a patient, but what if you could change the system so no one has to wait for treatment in the first place?” – Dr. Tit Albreht

The Recognition: Honored for a Life’s Work

In 2025, Dr. Albreht’s work was recognized on the grand stage. He received the inaugural Award for Improving Cancer Outcomes, jointly presented by the European School of Oncology and the European Cancer Organisation. This prestigious new award honors those who have not only envisioned systemic change—but made it happen.

Dr. Dégi László Csaba, President of the European Cancer Organisation, in his message honoring Dr. Albreht.

Behind the Award: A Legacy of Policy, Collaboration, and Progress

Dr. Albreht, now Head of the Centre for Health Care at the National Institute of Public Health of Slovenia, is also a Senior Researcher, a Member of the Scientific Committee of EUPHA, and President of the Slovenian Preventive Medicine Society. He has authored over 40 scientific publications, mentored future public health leaders, and acted as a reviewer for leading journals and European Commission research proposals.

But titles only tell part of the story.

His cancer policy journey began in 2006 when he led the FACT project, supporting the first Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU. It was the first ripple in a wave of European cancer collaboration.

Later, he played pivotal roles in:

• EPAAC (2011–2014) – where he led the creation of the European Guide on National Cancer Control Programmes

• CanCon (2014–2017) – as Scientific Coordinator, helping align EU countries around survivorship care, cancer planning, and governance

• iPAAC (2018–2021) – another EU Joint Action focused on innovation and sustainability in cancer policy

“Every policy we create must ask: who is still being left behind?” – Dr. Tit Albreht

Shaping the Future: The Role of Policy in Saving Lives

We often think of cancer progress in terms of drugs, clinical trials, and cutting-edge therapies. But none of it reaches patients without policy. Dr. Albreht’s work ensures that advances in science are matched with systems ready to deliver.

From cross-border cooperation to national cancer plans, his impact is deeply embedded in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and beyond. His work is not just about infrastructure—it’s about equity, dignity, and access.

A Voice for Prevention, People, and Purpose

Alongside his academic and policy roles, Dr. Albreht is a passionate teacher at the University of Ljubljana and University of Maribor, where he leads on public health, epidemiology, and health promotion. He believes in equipping the next generation with the tools to carry this work forward.

His advocacy continues to emphasize prevention and health promotion as cornerstones of cancer care—long before the first symptom appears.

A Life of Impact

Dr. Tit Albreht may never have sought the spotlight, but the legacy he’s built is impossible to ignore. Through quiet persistence, scientific rigor, and an unshakeable belief in better outcomes for all, he has transformed the landscape of cancer care in Europe.

This award doesn’t just honor his past—it lights a path for the future.

“Real change happens when we build bridges—between countries, between institutions, and between science and the people it serves.” – Dr. Tit Albreht

About the Award

The Award for Improving Cancer Outcomes is a joint initiative by the European School of Oncology and the European Cancer Organisation. It recognizes individuals whose work at the systems or policy level has significantly advanced cancer outcomes, equity, and access.

If stories like Dr. Tit Albreht’s inspire you, don’t stop here.

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