Session 19

Maintaining momentum in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

From policy to impact

Organised by Daiichi Sankyo Europe

Cancer is not one disease but a constellation of immense complexity that cannot be solved by a single approach. As Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) enters its implementation phase, the question is what progress has occurred. The merit of both the EBCP and the European Union (EU) Cancer Mission has been to recognise cancer as a societal issue, bringing the cancer community and EU countries together to integrate research, innovation, and health policy in a truly collective response.

The Commission's 2025 review confirms over 90% of actions are ongoing yet the European Court of Auditors' 2026 Special Report identifies persistent gaps: insufficient Member State ownership, absent measurable targets, uneven screening rates, and uncertain financing beyond 2027. With cancer incidences reaching 2.7 million cases annually in Europe and projected to become the leading cause of death by 2035, cancer care requires sufficient funding, political investment, infrastructure, a skilled and available workforce, fast uptake of technologies, and national transformations of ecosystems.  

At this juncture, cancer care must be understood not as a cost to be contained, but as a strategic investment that delivers measurable returns in survival, productivity, and Europe’s global competitiveness. This session will examine Europe’s progress in cancer care and its gaps, including how aligned national cancer plans and domestic policy decisions are with EU-level objectives.

Speakers to be announced