Joint European- American Forum on Cancer 25th April - Day 1
The European-American Forum on Cancer day 1 began with inspirational addresses by the forum's Co-chairs, Professor Mark Lawler and Dr. Julie Gralow. Professor Lawler, representing both Queen’s University Belfast and the All Island Cancer Research Institute, together with Dr. Gralow, the Chief Medical Officer of ASCO, articulated the profound significance of this inaugural forum. They highlighted its strategically timed schedule during key anniversaries in the cancer research community and emphasised its mission to foster a robust transatlantic partnership aimed at advancing cancer research and treatment.
Prof Mark Lawler, European Cancer Organisation (ECO) Special Network Co-Chair; Professor of Digital Health, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB); Co-Lead All Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI), Dr Julie Gralow, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Executive Vice President, American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Stephen Donnelly TD, Irish Minister for Health, Kathy Oliver, Patient Advocate; Co-Chair ECO-ECO Patient Advisory Committee and Chair International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA) and Prof William Gallagher, Professor of Cancer Biology, University College Dublin(UCD) & Co-Lead AICRI.
Launch of Forum Stephen Donnelly TD, Irish Minister for Health
Stephen Donnelly TD, Irish Minister for Health, extended a warm welcome to the delegates at the European - American Forum on Cancer, and commended the All-Island Cancer Research Institute to see such an encouraging breathe of topics being spoken about but also a deliberate focus on the psychological aspects of cancer and expressed his appreciation for the significant presence of patient advocates throughout the two-day programme. Minister Donnelly commended the All-Island Cancer Research Institute for its proactive approach in addressing these critical aspects of cancer care.
Minister Donnelly emphasised the effectiveness of an all-island approach, drawing upon the success of similar collaborative models in various healthcare domains. He commended the All-Island Cancer Research Institute for its leadership in driving improvements and better outcomes for patients, positioning it at the forefront of cancer research and treatment initiatives.
The US Ambassador Claire Cronin sent a message of support
Launch of Policy Document and Recommendations
Presentation of Awards
It was our honour to present a series of awards to members of our community. The awardees were presented with a screen print of "Crann Comhair" by Vincent Devine. This painting, commissioned to capture the core ethos of AICRI, visually articulates our comprehensive approach to cancer research, from prevention to survivorship. The central tree, rooted in the shape of Ireland, symbolises AICRI's nurturing and protective role. Each element—from the vibrant wildflowers representing the resilience of patients like those Kathy advocates for, to the branches symbolising the spread of information and collaboration, which mirrors our collective efforts in cancer research and care. This artwork also celebrates the significant milestones of AICRI, reflecting the unity and collaborative spirit fostered under the Good Friday Agreement.
Presentation of award to Kathy Oliver for her outstanding work on cancer patient advocacy. Presented by: Alberto Costa, Special Advisor to EU Health Commissioner.
Presentation of Award to Françoise Meunier for her significant commitment to cancer survivors in Europe.
Presented by: Csaba Dégi, President ECO and Vincent Devine, Artist.
Presentation of Award to Dr Julie Gralow for her key leadership in global cancer control.
Presented by: Michael Clausen, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy to Ireland
The "Cancer 2024 Resolution" is a pivotal element of this manifesto, seeking to shape the future of EU cancer policy. He emphasised that the rising incidence of cancer in both the EU and USA has been met with robust initiatives such as the US Cancer Moonshot and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. These efforts underscore the early stages of EU-US health collaboration. The resolution reflects a shared political commitment between the EU and USA to jointly address cancer challenges. It highlights the necessity for widespread collaboration for significant advancements in cancer treatment and identifies valuable opportunities to expand transatlantic cooperation in cancer prevention, early detection, and improving survival rates. Furthermore, the recommendations suggest completing and enhancing Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, incorporating the latest scientific developments, and broadening its objectives to include transatlantic efforts, particularly focusing on addressing the health workforce crisis. This comprehensive approach aims to harness and maximise the collective capabilities of both regions to combat cancer more effectively.
Time To Accelerate – Empowering Transatlantic Cooperation.
'Time to Accelerate: Together Against Cancer' is a manifesto of recommendations for the future of cancer policy across the European Union. It represents the input of organisations and individuals active in pan-European cancer policy. The recommendations reflect perspectives gathered during an unprecedented five-year period in EU cancer policy, which has seen landmark investment through both Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Research Mission on Cancer.