On 25 November 2025, EUREGHA held the final meeting of the year of its Working Group on Cancer, bringing together regional health authorities, EU representatives, and project partners to discuss regional cancer initiatives, EU policy developments, and collaboration opportunities.
The session opened with Dorota Tomalak (European Committee of the Regions), who presented CoR’s recent report, Cancer: repository of regional prevention and detection policies.
Dorota highlighted variations in cancer mortality of up to 40% within countries and emphasised the value of place-based prevention, local outreach, and partnerships with academia and community organisations. She shared successful regional initiatives from Biscay (ES), Tenerife (ES), Sicily (IT), Schleswig-Holstein (DE), and Næstved (DK) and noted plans to extend this work to cardiovascular diseases in 2026.
Dr. Giorgia Razzini (Carpi Hospital, Emilia-Romagna) introduced We-Path – Wellbeing Pathway, a community-based integrative oncology programme supporting nearly 200 cancer survivors since 2023. The initiative combines lifestyle counselling, adapted physical activity, nutritional and psychological support, follow-up care, and collaboration with patient associations, demonstrating the impact of holistic, community-driven care.
Iñaki Díez Ozaeta presented The Basque Country’ Cancer Plan 2024–2030 which was developed with over 200 contributors. The plan prioritises early detection, comprehensive care, patient involvement, monitoring, and research, with new strategies for children, adolescents, young adults, and long-term survivors, alongside preparations for accrediting Comprehensive Cancer Centres.
EUREGHA updated members on ongoing EU projects – ONCODIR, YARN, and Predi-Lynch – and outlined 2026 priorities, including supporting Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, exploring funding opportunities, reinforcing data exchange with OECD, and preparing the 2026 WG Inception Meeting.
About the Working Group on Cancer:
The Working Group on Cancer serves as a platform where EUREGHA members – regional representatives and experts – exchange knowledge, best practices, and expertise on cancer care and policy. The group aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that regional and local authorities play a crucial role in shaping cancer prevention, treatment, and long-term care strategies.
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