ONCODIR Participates in EU Cancer Mission Conference in Nicosia 2026

ONCODIR participated in the EU Cancer Mission conference held on 28 April in Nicosia, bringing together researchers, innovators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, patient representatives, and European stakeholders committed to advancing cancer prevention, care, and research across Europe.

Launched in 2021, the EU Cancer Mission aims to prevent cancer, advance care, and improve the lives of 3 million people by 2030. It unites researchers, innovators, patients, medical professionals, charities, funders, and policymakers, whose combined expertise is essential to achieving this transformation.

The conference provided a platform to explore key EU Cancer Mission initiatives, including UNCAN.eu, which enhances the usability and quality of cancer digital assets to strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing among cancer research institutions. Discussions also highlighted how artificial intelligence, data integration, and predictive modelling are transforming cancer research and accelerating precision medicine across Europe.

A key topic of the conference was “Understanding cancer in the digital age: data, innovation and equity”, offering a valuable opportunity to further connect and empower the cancer research and care community across Europe.

Further discussions included strategies to reduce inequalities in cancer research capacity and data access, including insights from Cyprus as a case study for smaller EU Member States, as well as the European Cancer Patient Digital Centre (ECPDC), designed to empower patients throughout their cancer journey through innovative digital solutions.

Participants also connected with National Cancer Mission Hubs and key European stakeholders to align ongoing initiatives with the broader EU Cancer Mission strategy.

The conference took place back-to-back with the Second Cancer Mission Fair, held under the theme “ENGAGE · SHARE · CONNECT – Sharing Best Practices for Citizen and Patient Involvement in Cancer Care.” The Fair, organised in Nicosia under the European Union Presidency, is part of the ECHoS project (Establishing Cancer Mission Hubs: Networks and Synergies), which promotes collaboration and citizen-centred approaches to improve cancer care and research across Europe.

ONCODIR’s participation reflects its commitment to fostering European collaboration, advancing data-driven oncology research and implementation science, and supporting citizen- and patient-centred innovation in cancer care and prevention.