George Kapetanakis, President of the Hellenic Cancer Federation – ELLOK, shared on LinkedIn:
“From dialogue to action: improving the lives of women affected by cancer.
On 3 November, we had the pleasure of bringing together representatives from government, healthcare, research, patient organisations, civil society and the private sector in Athens, for a Policy Dialogue on ‘Improving the Lives of Women with Gynaecological Cancers.’
The event was organised by the Hellenic Cancer Federation ELLOK as the Hellenic Cancer Mission Hub, in collaboration with ECHoS Establishing of Cancer Mission Hubs: Beyond Networks and Synergies, and with the valuable support of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.
Our discussion highlighted something we should never overlook: cancer care is not only about diagnosis and treatment. For many women, cancer also affects their employment, financial security, family responsibilities, fertility, mental health and quality of life. These needs must become an integral part of how we organise cancer care.
We also discussed practical priorities: clearer patient pathways, better coordination between services, patient navigation, access to specialised and supportive care, and stronger links between healthcare, employment and social protection.
For us this is precisely where our role becomes important: bringing different stakeholders together, connecting European knowledge and experience with national priorities, and helping turn shared ideas into practical improvements.
With Greece currently developing its National Cancer Action Plan, the timing of this dialogue was particularly important. Its conclusions can make a valuable contribution to our ongoing work towards more coordinated, equitable and person-centred cancer care.
I would like to sincerely thank Jasmin Fonseca and our partners at ECHoS, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Florian Tille and Dimitra Panteli for their excellent collaboration and contribution, as well as Evi Dramalioti representing the Greek Government, Kostas Athanasakis, Marion L’hôte, Yek-Ching (Stella) Kong, our European colleagues and all participants for their openness, expertise and constructive engagement.
A special appreciation to everyone who contributed to making this a genuine exchange of perspectives, experiences and practical ideas.”
You can also read: Gynecological Cancers, Cancer Vaccines & Immunotherapy: Are We Near Elimination?
