Declaration

We, the representatives of governments, national parliaments, European institutions, patient organizations, civil society, and healthcare experts, gathered in Bucharest on October 16, 2024, for the event Transforming Cancer Care Together, recognize the critical challenges Europe faces in combating cancer. This declaration marks the first step in a collaborative initiative that will be replicated across Europe and beyond, reaffirming our dedication to advancing cancer care at both the national and European levels.

Preamble
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death and suffering across Europe, affecting millions of individuals and placing an immense strain on healthcare systems. Persistent disparities in access to prevention, early detection, and treatment services, as well as inequalities in patient care, demand urgent and coordinated action. We acknowledge that only through collaboration and shared efforts can we achieve meaningful and lasting progress in reducing the impact of cancer.

Key collaborative areas of action
In the spirit of cooperation and recognizing the urgent needs of cancer patients and healthcare systems across Europe, we intend to focus on the following collaborative actions:

1. Promoting early detection and screening

Early detection is critical to improving cancer survival rates and reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems. We aim to strengthen national screening programs by expanding coverage, increasing accessibility to underserved populations, and ensuring comprehensive implementation for all major cancer types. A harmonized approach to screening across Europe will allow for earlier diagnosis, better treatment outcomes, and more effective healthcare resource management.

2. Enhancing education and public awareness

Prevention is the most powerful tool in reducing cancer incidence. We recognize the need to elevate public awareness of cancer risk factors, prevention methods, and the importance of early detection. We will work together on educational campaigns and public health initiatives at the European level to promote healthy lifestyles, preventative behaviors, and the critical role of regular cancer screenings in reducing cancer incidence and mortality.

3. Improving the oncological patient journey

A patient-centric approach to cancer care is crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life. We aim to optimize the entire cancer patient journey, from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. This includes ensuring timely access to diagnostic services, enhancing coordination across care providers, and ensuring that all patients benefit from the latest innovations in cancer treatment and support systems. Our goal is to ease the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that cancer patients face throughout their care.

4. Reducing inequalities in access to cancer care

Significant disparities in cancer care persist across Europe, with socio-economic status, geographic location, and other factors impacting access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We will work together to eliminate these inequalities, ensuring that all individuals receive equal access to highquality cancer care, regardless of their background. By sharing best practices and harmonizing policies, we can build a more equitable healthcare system for all.

5. Recognizing the economic impact of cancer

Across Europe cancer cases and mortality are increasing, coupled with a rise in productivity losses and other economic negative impacts. The cost of improving cancer care is significantly lower than the GDP losses incurred from untreated or inadequately treated cancer. We will work with policymakers and experts in every European country to emphasize that investing in cancer care is not only a healthcare necessity but also a strategic investment in both local and European economies. Better healthcare will keep more citizens healthy and productive members of society.

The Transforming Cancer Care Bucharest Declaration represents a collective effort to transform cancer care across Europe, initiated at the Transforming Cancer Care Together event. This first step serves as a foundation for ongoing collaboration, enabling similar initiatives to be developed and replicated in other countries.

By focusing on early detection, education, patient-centered care, and reducing inequalities, we are united in our goal to reduce the burden of cancer across Europe. Through our joint efforts, we aim to improve the quality of life for all cancer patients and ensure they have access to the best possible care.

We, the undersigned, express our willingness to continue working with national and European institutions, patient communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers to create a future where cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and where every patient has the opportunity for a longer and healthier life.