Alina Comanescu – Romania – Community Health Association Romania

Alina Comanescu brings over a decade of multinational experience across public and private sectors to her long-standing commitment to DiCE, where she has been actively engaged since 2009. Since founding the Romanian Community Health Association Asociația Sănătate pentru Comunitate in 2013, Alina has become a key voice in cancer patient advocacy at national and European levels.

She has led the development of Romania’s cancer patient advocacy strategy, navigating complex political, cultural, and regulatory environments to ensure patients’ voices are heard.

To learn more about Alina, check her CV.

Cyril Sarrauste de Menthière – France – Mon Réseau Cancer Colorectal

Cyril brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and personal patient experience to the DiCE Board. As a physical chemist and Doctor of Science, he leads Research Valorisation and Science Media at France’s CNRS and Montpellier University. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 50, Cyril transformed his journey into advocacy, joining and now co-directing Mon Réseau Cancer Colorectal. He advocates for patient-centred healthcare and open communication to break the silence surrounding digestive cancers and to make democracy for health a European reality.

To learn more about Cyril, check his CV.

Iva Kirac – Croatia – the Institute for Gastroenterological Tumors of Croatia (IGET)

Iva is a surgical oncologist from Zagreb, Croatia, with over 20 years of experience in treating digestive cancers. She has led national and European projects focused on improving care, raising awareness, and supporting patients living with these cancers. Iva is passionate about closing the gaps in treatment and survivorship and believes that sharing good practices across Europe can make a real difference. She views joining DiCE as an opportunity to help extend these efforts on a broader scale.

To learn more about Iva, check her CV.

Metka Glas – Slovenia – EuropaColon Slovenia

Metka is a caregiver coach and patient advocate from Slovenia, driven by personal experience and a strong commitment to the digestive cancer community. After losing her father to colorectal cancer, she joined EuropaColon Slovenia to help enhance its impact. She now leads programmes for patients and caregivers, has launched the country’s first support group for digestive cancer patients, organises regular educational events, and edits the association’s magazine Koloskop. She brings coaching, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills and is passionate about raising awareness and improving care across Europe. Joining the DiCE Board would enable her to contribute her energy and expertise on a broader scale.

To learn more about Metka, check her CV.

Ségolène de Retz – France – ARCAD Foundation

Ségolène is the General Manager of the ARCAD Foundation, the only foundation in France entirely dedicated to all digestive cancers. With 17 years of experience in healthcare, including roles at pharmaceutical companies, professional associations, and patient advocacy organisations, she leads national efforts to improve research, care, and awareness, particularly regarding colorectal cancer screening. Ségolène possesses in-depth knowledge of both national and European healthcare systems and is committed to breaking taboos surrounding digestive cancers, making these diseases a higher public health priority. She views DiCE as an essential platform for strengthening collaboration, sharing ideas, and pushing for better outcomes across Europe.

To learn more about Ségolène, check her CV.