EUCanScreen Project kicks off: Boosting Early Cancer Detection in Europe
Biosistemak has participated in the initial meeting of the European Joint Action, which aims to strengthen cancer screening systems.
The EuCanScreen European Joint Action has kicked off, with an inaugural meeting taking place from 24-27 September 2024 at the University of Latvia (Riga). This event marks the start of an ambitious collaborative effort to strengthen cancer screening systems in Europe. Riga brought together more than 200 participants from partners in 30 countries, with a total of 70 attendees connected online. Among those present were 25 EU Member States, as well as representatives from Iceland, Moldova, Norway and Ukraine.
The project, which will run until 2028, aims to develop a comprehensive and lasting plan to strengthen cancer screening on the continent, ranging from optimising existing screening programmes to integrating new digital technologies and risk-based models to identify future cancer risks. The project will address plans to target different cancers, such as breast, cervical and colorectal cancer , including plans to introduce screening also for lung, prostate and gastric cancers, all of which are recommended by the EU.
A Collaborative Approach to Fighting Cancer
EuCanScreen arises from the urgent need to develop effective screening and prevention tools for cancer, one of the leading causes of mortality in Europe. In this respect, early screening is one of the most useful strategies to reduce the burden.
During the first meeting of the consortium, several meetings were organised, including work packages (WP) dedicated to different areas, including project coordination, dissemination, evaluation, sustainability and monitoring. These spaces have allowed the exchange of knowledge to identify best practices and explore how new technologies can improve screening.
Representation of Euskadi in EUCanScreen
Biosistemak, represented by Lola Verdoy Project Coordinator and Itxaso Alayo Project Manager, have actively participated in the first working meetings. They were accompanied by representatives of Osakidetza and the Department of Health of the Basque Government, entities that will actively participate in the project by facilitating the piloting at Basque Country level. Biosistemak also works closely with Spanish partners, such as the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), the FISABIO Foundation, the Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM) and the Aragonese Institute of Health Sciences (IACS).
The role of the Basque Country, through Biosistemak, is active, as it is involved in crucial working groups, such as the monitoring of screening programmes, quality improvement and the integration of artificial intelligence in existing systems. It also collaborates in the implementation of new approaches to prostate cancer screening, and in the development of risk-based approaches and health technology assessment to optimise screening programmes in the Basque Country.
EUCanScreen is aligned with the strategic objectives of the Basque Government’s Health Plan 2030, which seeks to lead a healthier Euskadi, reduce health inequalities and promote innovation to improve health outcomes.
For more information, visit the official website.
