From 25 to 28 June 2026, representatives from Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE) joined more than 100 patient advocates, experts, and faculty members from 34 countries at the WECAN Academy 2026 in Gdańsk, Poland. The four day programme brought together the European cancer advocacy community to strengthen knowledge, share experiences, and build the skills needed to drive meaningful change for patients.

Representing DiCE, Giusy M. R. Rizzo, Juliana Calheiros, Mila Ogalla Toledo, and Rohini Singh Sisodia took part in an intensive training programme that equips patient advocates with the expertise required to become influential partners in research, healthcare, and policy.

Recognised as one of Europe’s leading educational programmes for cancer patient advocates, the WECAN Academy offers practical, evidence-based training across a broad range of topics. This year’s programme explored evidence-based advocacy, healthcare systems, drug development, health economics, NGO governance, financial sustainability, the growing role of artificial intelligence in patient advocacy, volunteer management, scientific literacy, communications, patient-centred clinical trials, stakeholder engagement, European health policy, access to medicines, and the Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA).

The knowledge and practical skills gained throughout the Academy will further strengthen DiCE’s work, supporting our mission to ensure the voices of people affected by digestive cancers are represented in research, healthcare, and policy decisions across Europe.

Alongside the educational programme, the Academy provided valuable opportunities to connect with fellow patient advocates from across Europe. Networking sessions, informal discussions, and wellbeing activities, including beach yoga, created space to exchange ideas, develop lasting partnerships, and reinforce the importance of collaboration in advancing patient advocacy.

DiCE also contributed to the Academy’s poster exhibition by presenting two initiatives that showcase our commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by digestive cancers.

Juliana Calheiros presented the TOGAS (TOwards GAstric cancer Screening implementation in the European Union) project, highlighting its work to generate the evidence needed to support effective gastric cancer prevention and screening strategies across Europe.

Giusy M. R. Rizzo presented DiCE’s work on early onset colorectal cancer, focusing on the next phase of the initiative: a pan-European quantitative survey that builds on previous qualitative research to better understand the experiences, needs, and priorities of people diagnosed at a younger age throughout the care pathway.

DiCE returned from Gdańsk with new knowledge, stronger partnerships, and renewed determination to advocate for better prevention, earlier diagnosis, equitable access to treatment, improved survivorship, and a better quality of life for everyone affected by digestive cancers.

We thank the WECAN Foundation, its faculty, organising team, speakers, and participants for creating an inspiring learning environment that continues to strengthen the European patient advocacy community. We look forward to applying these new insights and collaborations to ensure that the patient voice remains at the heart of every decision shaping cancer care.