As part of our commitment to ensuring that the voice of digestive cancer patients is heard at the highest levels of EU policy, DiCE supported several of our Member Organisations (MOs) in taking part in targeted meetings with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during the ENTERO policy event. These impactful conversations helped spotlight national-level challenges and encourage MEPs to take action to support better outcomes for patients across Europe.

PALEMA: Tackling Procurement and Health Systems Preparedness with MEP Veryga

PALEMA’s Eva Backman and DiCE’s Helena D’Arcy met with MEP Aurelijus Veryga (LT), former Minister of Health and current ENVI Committee and Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases member. In a constructive 55-minute meeting, they discussed joint procurement challenges, access disparities, and the need for a learning—not punitive—culture around medical errors. MEP Veryga emphasized the importance of EU collaboration, referencing lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed support for the Critical Medicines Act. He also acknowledged DiCE and PALEMA as valuable stakeholders and encouraged continued engagement.

L to R: Helena D’Arcy(Oesophageal Cancer survivor), MEP Veryga, Eva Backman(PALEMA, PC survivor)

POLA: Elevating Early Diagnosis and Innovative Treatments

During the ENTERO event, the Lithuanian Cancer Patient Coalition (POLA), represented by Director Neringa Čiakienė, held meetings with both MEP Aurelijus Veryga and MEP Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis. They raised concerns about early diagnostics, access to innovation, and the needs of young patients facing digestive cancers. The dialogue also included the Critical Medicines Act and joint procurement as crucial pathways to equitable treatment access. Both MEPs welcomed POLA’s insights and demonstrated strong interest in supporting these efforts at the EU level.

MEP Veryga and Neringa Čiakienė, Director of the Lithuanian Cancer Patient Coalition (POLA)

MEP Andruikaitis and Neringa Čiakienė, Director of the Lithuanian Cancer Patient Coalition (POLA)

IGET: Data Access, Clinical Trials, and Support Services in Croatia

With DiCE’s coordination, Iva Kirac from the Institute for Gastroenterological Tumors (IGET) had the opportunity to meet MEP Tomislav Sokol and MEP Biljana Borzan. She highlighted the rise of colorectal cancer in younger populations and the lack of adapted care models. A major concern shared was Croatia’s limited participation in oncology clinical trials, despite efforts under the CCI4EU project to strengthen national cancer infrastructure. MEP Sokol, a key actor in the European Health Data Space (EHDS), was receptive to discussions around legislative barriers to data use. The need for EU-level funding to support psycho-oncology and equitable access to trials was emphasized, aligning with Croatia’s National Cancer Plan goals for 2025.

Dr. Iva Kirac, Surgeon at University Hospital for Tumors, UHC Sestre milosrdnice, IGET

Author:

Ivan Ratkovic