Prevention and Early Detection Cluster
The Prevention and Early Detection Cluster unites six innovative cancer prevention projects under the EU Mission on Cancer, aiming to enhance societal and policy impact in preventing and detecting cancer early. This cluster focuses on integrating primary prevention into existing health and care systems, addressing lifestyle-related risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, diet, and obesity, and targeting infection-related cancers. By leveraging multidisciplinary approaches, including behavioral science, artificial intelligence, and policy research, the cluster aims to create personalised, scalable interventions that improve health outcomes.
These projects collectively work to identify and overcome barriers to the widespread adoption of prevention measures, enhance adherence to screening programs, and reduce health disparities across Europe. They aim to engage diverse stakeholders in developing evidence-based policies, improve cost-effectiveness, and ensure the social acceptance of prevention strategies. By fostering healthier behaviors and building robust frameworks for policy transformation, the cluster seeks to provide comprehensive, data-driven solutions that enhance cancer prevention and improve the quality of life for EU citizens.
Click here to discover more about each project.
First Cluster Meeting in Vienna
The Prevention and Early Detection Cluster held its inaugural meeting on 23 September 2024 in Vienna, Austria. This event allowed the different projects and institutions to assess their progress toward a shared goal: enhancing the societal and policy impact on cancer prevention and early detection.
At the meeting, preliminary findings from the collaboration were shared, and future steps for each working group were discussed. Key topics discussed included cancer prevention, data management, communication, public engagement, and health inequalities.
Session Highlights:
- Laura Garcia Ibanez from the European Commission underscored the vital role of collaboration in addressing cancer inequalities across Europe, setting a collaborative tone for the meeting.
- The session on Data Management Strategy, led by Sabato Mellone from the University of Bologna, focused on developing a Unified Data Management Approach and proposed a webinar on FAIR Data Principles to enhance researchers’ skills in the upcoming year.
- In the Communication & Dissemination session, PIECES introduced a cluster-specific visual identity, including templates, brochures, and a hashtag, alongside plans for joint publications, media appearances, and events to boost public awareness. CO-CAPTAIN presented the European Cancer Inequalities Registry, discussing the OECD’s forthcoming report and offering strategies to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.
- Citizen engagement efforts were highlighted by 4P-CAN, which showcased a Living Lab in Arges County, Romania, promoting cancer awareness through community activities, such as sponsoring a local football team to convey health messages.
- The Research & Innovation Policy Recommendations session, hosted by PREVENT, focused on developing policy recommendations to address cancer prevention challenges through a comprehensive workshop, culminating in a joint policy brief to tackle issues at various levels.
The meeting exemplified the collaborative efforts in cancer prevention and early detection, emphasising innovative strategies and a shared commitment to reducing health inequalities, thereby laying a strong foundation for future advancements in European cancer research initiatives.
