In anticipation of the upcoming 2024 EU Elections, we are supporting Pancreatic Cancer Europe’s (PCE) initiative to turn the tide against pancreatic cancer. This disease continues to challenge public health across Europe. In collaboration with our esteemed partners, we have crafted a position paper that serves as a roadmap to combat pancreatic cancer more effectively over the next five years.

The Urgency of Our Mission

Pancreatic cancer ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Europe, with incidence and mortality rates on an alarming rise. This dire situation calls for immediate action to address and mitigate the disease’s impact on individuals and families across the continent. Our position paper emerges from this urgency, comprehensively analysing the current landscape, challenges, and actionable steps forward.

Our Collective Blueprint for Action

The position paper sets forth several critical points designed to mobilise resources, knowledge, and initiatives in the fight against pancreatic cancer:

Enhancing Public Awareness: Spearheading campaigns to deliver accessible, up-to-date information on the importance of early detection, aiming for widespread public reach and understanding.

Promoting Collaborative Screening Efforts: Establishing robust screening programs to identify high-risk individuals. Advancing research in innovative diagnostic tools to catch the disease early.

Access to Expertise: Facilitating access to high-profile centres and making clinical trial information clear and accessible to the cancer community.

Bolstering Research: Amplifying research efforts in every European country to advance pancreatic cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Standardising Data Collection: Creating common European guidelines for data and sample collection to streamline research and treatment.

Securing Targeted Funding: Advocating for specific European funding channels dedicated to pancreatic cancer research to ensure continued progress.

A Unified Front

This significant initiative is backed by Digestive Cancer Europe Cancer Patients Europe, European Pancreatic Club, and United European Gastroenterology. Our collective endorsement highlights a shared commitment to ushering in positive change and noticeably improving the prognosis for pancreatic cancer patients throughout Europe.

Join Our Cause

We stand at a pivotal moment in the fight against pancreatic cancer. With the 2024 EU Elections on the horizon, the time to act is now. We call upon healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, patients, and advocates to explore our position paper and unite with us in this imperative mission. Let’s work together to make a difference in the lives of many people and families affected by pancreatic cancer in Europe.

Author:
Ruel Jacob