Yvette Lorraine, patient advocate and Oncology social worker at Ampath Oncology Institute, shared on LinkedIn:
“Sometimes, the most meaningful learning happens when we step outside our everyday work, listen to different voices and see familiar challenges through a new lens.
From 23rd to 27th October 2026, I had the privilege of attending the ESMO Congress 2026 Patient Advocacy Track in Madrid, Spain.
As someone who works closely with people living with multiple myeloma, I found the conversations particularly meaningful.
Behind every discussion about cancer innovation, access and equity are real people, families navigating uncertainty, and patients hoping for better outcomes.
What stood out to me:
Access, Equity and Reducing Inequalities: Cancer care should not depend on where you live or your ability to pay.
Access to timely diagnosis, essential medicines and supportive care remains a challenge for many patients in Africa.
Innovations in Cancer Treatment: Scientific advances bring hope, but innovation only matters when patients can access and afford these treatments.
Digital Health, Data and Innovation: Digital solutions can strengthen referrals, patient navigation, follow-up and peer support, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Extending Lives through Innovation and Implementation: Cancer care must go beyond treatment to include psychosocial support, rehabilitation, survivorship and palliative care.
My biggest takeaway? We must bridge the gap between what is possible globally and what is accessible locally.
Patients must not only live longer but also live better, with dignity and quality of life.
A special thank you to ESMO and International Cancer Foundation (ICF), Your support made it possible for an African patient advocate to contribute to and learn from this important global conversation.
And a big shout-out to OncoDaily for the thoughtfully curated Pluck Cards a creative and engaging way of capturing and sharing key insights from the congress!
To the ESMO team, fellow patient advocates, healthcare professionals and everyone who made the experience enriching, thank you!
I return with new perspectives, renewed motivation and an even stronger commitment to advocating for people living with multiple myeloma in Kenya and across Africa.
Because innovation should not only extend lives, it should make quality cancer care accessible to everyone, everywhere.”
Other articles about ESMO26 on OncoDaily.
