In June, I had the privilege of attending the WECAN Academy 2025 in Rome. This intensive training programme brings together cancer patient advocates from across Europe to learn, collaborate, and strengthen our shared mission.

Over three full days, we participated in 20 focused training sessions, each aligned with WECAN’s three pillars of education:

🔹 Advocacy tools and skills
🔹 Evidence and data
🔹 Healthcare systems and policy

We examined topics such as patient involvement in EU health technology assessments, the importance of patient-centric approaches in clinical trials, drug development, NGO governance, and ethical challenges in pharmaceutical policy. For me, the sessions on ethics and policymaking were especially impactful—offering new perspectives and practical approaches to some of the most complex issues we face in advocacy.

What truly set the experience apart, however, was the sense of shared understanding and connection. Being in a room full of people who live and breathe patient advocacy—who understand its emotional weight and its transformative power—was profoundly moving. I felt seen, supported, and energised.

I left Rome with renewed motivation, a stronger skillset, and a brilliant network of fellow advocates who are shaping a more inclusive and equitable cancer care landscape across Europe. Their work inspires me every day.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to have taken part and look forward to applying the insights gained as we continue working together to ensure that patient voices are not only heard but meaningfully embedded in healthcare decision-making.

Author:

Mila Ogalla Toledo