European oncology leaders shape the dialogue on cancer

The event brought together more than 200 leaders in oncology - including many of UICC partners - from across the field and around Europe to shape the dialogue on cancer with a focus on cross-sectoral collaboration to improve the health and wealth of Europe’s nations and people. The programme - taking a multi-faceted approach - examined leading initiatives in policy and financing, innovation in prevention, treatment and diagnosis and new methods of community engagement in Europe.

The varied discussions, which took place throughout the day, covered several key topics including how to improve cancer control systems, erasing the human and financial burden by maintaining innovation across the treatment pathway, the impact of the growing digitalisation of oncology information on cancer care and the role played by employers in cancer control. Stuart Fletcher, CEO of UICC partner organisation, Bupa and War on Cancer speaker, not only emphasised the unique ability of employers to create healthy working environments but also their essential role in supporting employees diagnosed with cancer.

Dr Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control, was among the panellists discussing the measures by which the success in the war against cancer must be gauged. "The war on tobacco for example has a great impact towards cancer control. Given the global economic toll of tobacco is around $500 billion a year, there is huge potential for employers to play a lead role in reversing this trend by implementing cost effective support for their employees in tobacco cessation initiatives."

UICC's partnership with Bupa focuses on workplace wellness, specifically raising awareness of cancer in the workplace, featuring a number of resources for employers including the report Cancer - It's everyone's business and two practical toolkits; Less Smoking, Better Business and Tackling breast cancer in the workplace - A win for everyone

The inaugural War on Cancer was a great opportunity to address the issue of cancer control in Europe with a forward-looking, uniquely global perspective leading to fruitful debates with global influencers, government ministers, private sector CEOs, academia, and healthcare professionals. Speakers offered contrasting and thought-provoking commentary on how to deal with the most pressing of sector trends leading to lively debate amongst the packed room of delegates.

Read the Economist Events' press release here.