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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Dr. Igor Nikolov – Health Advisor to the Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s Cabinet, North Macedonia
Rodica Mândruță-Stratan – Coordinator, National Cancer Control Programme 2016-2025, Moldova
Ghislaine Gerbier – Adminstrative Manager, Brussels
Raluca Painter – Head of Unit, DG REFORM, European Commission
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Șerban Negru – Head of the Oncology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Romania
Massimo Baggi – Ambassador, Swiss Embassy in Romania
László Attila – Senator, Member of the Parliament of Romania
Nicoleta Pauliuc – Senator, Member of the Parliament of Romania
Andrei David – General Manager at the National Authority for Quality Management in Health, Romania
Dr. Malina Müller – Head of Health Economics Department, WifOR Institute, Germany
Prof. Dr. Torsten Blum – Project Coordinator of Solace, Germany
Prof. Dr. Sonja Genadieva Stavric – Director of the Clinic, University Clinic of Hematology, North Macedonia
Roxana Băluță – Life and Health Insurance Specialist and Program Coordinator at the National Association of Insurance and Reinsurance Companies in Romania
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Igor Stojkovski – Head of the Oncology Clinic, University Clinic of Radiotherapy and Oncology – Skopje, North Macedonia
Sasho Klekovski – Director of the Health Insurance Fund, North Macedonia
Donjeta Zeqa – President Europa Dona PAG association, Albania
Marsida Mulaj – Head of the Medical Department at the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund, Albania
Silvana Celiku – Head of Oncology Clinic at University Medical Center of Tirana “Mother Teresa”, Albania
Alma Cani – Director of Hospital “Mother Teresa”, Albania
Mirela Rexhepi – Head of Pharmacy of the Hospital “Mother Teresa”, Albania
Enisa Rexhepi – vs Director of the Hospital “Mother Teresa”, Albania
Iulian Petre – Health Program Manager COPAC, Romania
Simona Potop – Representative of All.Can International in Romania
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laurenția Galeș – National Society of Medical Oncology in Romania
Prof. Dr. Daniel Coriu – President, Romanian Medical College
Carmen Chindriș – President Asociatia Sus Inima Romania
Iulia Arif-Perca – Executive Director at LAWG
Josh Jordan – Countru Manager Roche Diagnostics Romania
Prof. Dr. Timur Ceric – Head of daily oncology hospital, Oncology Institute Clinical Centre Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Alisa Ibrakovic – Member of the association of breast cancer patients Renesansa Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina
Mihaela Cotirla – Amarisia Intl Medical Reseach, Romania
Oana Voicu – President of the Credu Association, Romania
Lidia Onofrei – National Coordinator of Comunitary Medical Assistance, Ministry of Health, Romania
Claudia Polivanov – President of Gives Wings Association, Romania
Enida Glušac – Breast Cancer Patient Associations Group “Renesansa”, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Frank Loeffler – GM Roche Romania
Raluca Prodan – General Director Longevity Clinic Romania
Catalina Negara – Program Director Rebirth Foundation, Romania
Cristina Berteanu – General secretary of Romanian Society of regional Anaesthesia
Admir Čavalić – Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Economy and Finance, Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Rialda Raduc – General Manager at National Society of Medical Oncology in Romania