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EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres reaches key milestone

The European Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres (EUnetCCC), a key flagship initiative of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, was launched in Paris this week. Supported by €90 million of EU investment under the EU4Heath Programme, the objective of the Network is to support cancer patients in accessing high-quality prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care with the aim to ensure that 90% of eligible EU cancer patients have access to such centres by 2030.

As a network of 163 partners in 31 countries including all EU member states, the EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres aims to help countries reduce cancer inequalities and strengthen national cancer systems, by establishing a structured and sustainable network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres across Europe. The network is testing and rolling out an EU certification scheme to recognize and link up centres allowing for the sharing of expertise, resources, and best practices and high quality of care close to the patients.

11 countries have nominated 33 candidate comprehensive cancer centres for the European certification process. The first wave of applications includes 14  centres in Spain, 4 in France, 4 in Belgium, 3 in Lithuania, 2 in Norway, and 1 each in Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Luxembourg and Malta. Two more waves will follow over 2026 – 2027, with the aim to build a network of 100 certified centres that serves nearly 500 million Europeans across 31 countries by 2028.

For patients this brings more confidence in their treatment options and better access to clinical trials and innovation. For cancer centres and healthcare professionals, it creates a platform for collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

By linking top-tier cancer centres, the network will contribute to building a strong European Health Union and achieve the objectives of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. This collaboration not only enhances expertise across borders but also solidifies Europe’s standing as a global leader in cancer control and innovation.

More information:

·     EUnetCCC website

·     EU4Health projects

·     Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

Ben Kemp