Day two of the European Forum on Cancer opened at Farmleigh House with a welcome address by Jonathan McCrea from Whipsmart Media.

The forum proceeded with insightful opening remarks from co-chairs: Mark Lawler, a Professor of Digital Health at QUB and ECO Special Network Co-Chair, and Julie Gralow, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director of ASCO.

Robin Swann MLA, the Minister for Health for Northern Ireland addressed the forum virtually and emphasised the transformative goals of the All Ireland Cancer Research Institute (AICRI) in managing cancer across Ireland. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts across the island to enhance treatment, research, and innovation, stating that a collaborative approach is crucial, especially for treating complex cancers that require resources beyond those available in Northern Ireland alone.

Minister Swann spoke about the potential of new technologies and analytical techniques to improve cancer survival rates and patient quality of life. He also stressed the importance of cancer prevention, early detection through screening programs, and the development of rapid diagnosis centres to ensure earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.

He stated that his vision extends to ensuring that all residents of Northern Ireland receive the most effective, evidence-based healthcare in terms of referral, diagnosis, treatment, and support. He ended his speech by expressing gratitude to all the participants for their commitment to cancer care and offering his best wishes for a productive outcome in the forum's deliberations.

In Memoriam

In memory of John Ryan, for his leadership and role as a public health champion of the EU’s Covid-19 response and EU Cancer Mission.

Mike Morrissey, Chief Executive of the European Cancer Organisation, President of the European Society of Association Executives and Executive Director of the European Cancer Community Foundation, delivered a speech to commemorate the memory of John Ryan, Deputy Director of DG Sante, for his leadership and role as a public health champion of the EU’s Covid-19 response and EU Cancer Mission. Mike spoke of Johns recent retirement, a man who was deeply dedicated to his country and had a broad understanding of healthcare. Mike praised the Johns practical insights into the feasibility of healthcare initiatives and their potential for support from the European Commission, and acknowledged his valuable contributions to cancer causes. He concluded by hoping the lessons taught by Johns exemplary behaviour will continue to influence others.

AICRI Co-Lead Mark Lawler introduced Michael Martin, An Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, praising recent collaborative efforts in cancer research and training. Lawler highlighted the impact of the Ireland and Northern Ireland US National Cancer Institute memoranda of understanding and the formation of the All Ireland Cancer Consortium. He credited the consortium with facilitating advanced training for nearly 550 Irish healthcare professionals at the National Cancer Institute, who subsequently returned to enhance cancer care on the island.

Micheal Martin TD, Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs gave a keynote address. He highlighted the progress in cancer care through strategic approaches and national strategies since the late '90s, which has significantly improved cancer survival, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life in Ireland. Despite initial political resistance, these consolidated services in centres of excellence have been pivotal. Michael Martin TD also emphasised the importance of investment in internationally peer-reviewed, collaborative research, recalling the establishment of policies and frameworks in the late '90s and early 2000s that fostered such research.

Furthermore, Michael Martin TD reflected on public health policies like the smoking ban, which was part of a broader strategic approach to tobacco control initiated in the early 2000s. This included comprehensive legislation and the establishment of the Office of Tobacco Control to manage tobacco industry challenges effectively. The importance of public health interventions, the challenges of political opposition, and the need for a united public health advocacy were underscored. Lastly, Michael Martin TD called for ongoing and increased support for cancer research and patient organisations, stressing the importance of community support for families affected by cancer and advocating for further action against the emerging public health challenge posed by vaping.

Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, greeted everyone warmly and reflected on the significant work done on the smoking ban, tying it to her first election to the European Parliament when she encountered resistance but recognised the importance of strong leadership. She praised the ongoing improvements in cancer survival rates, attributing these to key collaborative efforts. McGuinness was particularly enthused by the European Union's cancer-beating plan launched by Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health, emphasising the importance of collaboration between medical professionals and patients.

McGuinness also highlighted the role of David Byrne, a predecessor in the European Commission, in laying the groundwork for Europe's fight against cancer. The discussion then shifted to the financial challenges cancer survivors face, particularly in accessing financial services like mortgage protection policies. McGuinness stressed the need for policies to ensure cancer survivors can focus on their health and family without financial exclusion.

She noted the European Commission's efforts to address these challenges, including a study that highlighted the hurdles cancer survivors face in accessing financial products and the introduction of a 'right to be forgotten' in several EU member states. This right helps ensure that cancer survivors are not unfairly penalised in financial matters due to their medical history.

McGuinness expressed commitment to advancing these initiatives, advocating for an EU-wide code of conduct to standardise support for cancer survivors across member states. She concluded by thanking all the organisations present for their crucial discussions on cancer, stressing the collective goal of easing cancer survivors' return to normal life and promoting financial inclusion.

Jarushka Naidoo, Professor of Medical Oncology and Consultant Medical Oncologist, Beaumont Hospital and RCSI University of Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Adjunct Professor of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA, focused on the stigma - its a lung health check we’re not her from a lung cancer screening. The message and communication of this is important. It is slainte care in action. Access to timely diagnostics. To expand our treatment options we must work together.