{"id":55022,"date":"2021-02-07T11:07:39","date_gmt":"2021-02-07T11:07:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/touchoncology.com\/?post_type=insight&p=55022"},"modified":"2024-07-31T20:22:56","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T19:22:56","slug":"how-surgical-oncology-experts-can-actively-contribute-to-the-success-of-europes-beating-cancer-plan-ebcp-essos-statement-on-the-implementation-of-the-ebcp","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/touchoncology.com\/insight\/how-surgical-oncology-experts-can-actively-contribute-to-the-success-of-europes-beating-cancer-plan-ebcp-essos-statement-on-the-implementation-of-the-ebcp\/","title":{"rendered":"How surgical oncology experts can actively contribute to the success of Europe\u2019s Beating Cancer plan (EBCP) – ESSO\u2019s statement on the implementation of the EBCP"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Europe\u2019s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) – fuelled by the significant work of the European Parliament\u2019s Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA) committee – defines ambitious steps towards establishing a comprehensive and coordinated strategy in the fight against cancer. It acknowledges the vital role of surgical oncology as part of cancer care.<\/p>\n

The BECA report outlines the need for surgical skills to be strengthened across Europe through the recognition of surgical oncology as a specialist discipline, the harmonisation of standards of care, and patients\u2019 access to specialised care and innovative surgical procedures.<\/p>\n

The pivotal role of surgery in multimodal cancer care<\/h1>\n

Surgical intervention remains the best chance of cure for solid cancers when diagnosed at an early stage despite the increasing use of multimodal treatments. It is estimated that around 80% of cancer patients will require surgical intervention during the course of their diseases; and 45 million surgical procedures will be needed globally by 2030. Yet, less than 25% of cancer patients actually have access to safe, affordable or timely surgery worldwide.<\/p>\n

Cancer surgery delivered by trained specialists is a vital component of high quality cancer care. Surgical oncologists have a deep understanding of the biology of cancers as well as the pillars of multidisciplinary cancer management. Furthermore, they play an increasing role in evidence-based multidisciplinary care, fostering optimal coordination at all stages of cancer treatment.<\/p>\n

Despite this, surgical oncology does not receive sufficient recognition in Europe. Greater political and financial attention is needed in order to meet the increasing needs of cancer patients in Europe.<\/p>\n

The realisation of the EBCP cannot be achieved without an inclusive approach embracing all cancer treatment modalities, such as surgical oncology, and leveraging their strengths.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Offering specialist advice and multi-faceted support to realise the Plan<\/h1>\n

The implementation roadmap published by the Commission provides a clear timeline for stakeholders and experts to maximise their support towards the realisation of the plan. The indicators set out shall help monitor and evaluate the success of the work carried out, and recalibrate efforts where needed.<\/p>\n

ESSO is committed to supporting the activation and success of this ambitious Plan, by channelling the expertise and knowledge of the surgical oncologists\u2019 community at all stages of the implementation journey, building on its specialty network from across Europe and the available scientific evidence.<\/p>\n

Concrete initiatives<\/h2>\n

In particular, surgical oncologists can provide significant support to advance the following pillars and initiatives of the Plan:<\/p>\n

PILLAR: \u2018PUTTING RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES AT THE SERVICE OF CANCER PREVENTION AND CARE\u2019<\/h3>\n

Research and innovation in surgical oncology improve the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of cancer care. Advances in the area are required to fully unlock the prospects of surgical oncology.<\/em><\/p>\n

Knowledge Centre on Cancer and Cancer Mission Board and Harmonised Curriculum<\/h4>\n
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  • ESSO can provide expertise and resources in the field of surgical oncology to complement the Knowledge Centre, in order to pool the evidence necessary for effective policy making in cancer prevention, detection \u2013 including novel approaches – and treatment. It could also contribute to the development of the specific Knowledge Gateway Briefs in various areas.<\/li>\n
  • Despite recent advances, for example in refining the safety, efficacity and costeffectiveness of surgical procedures, cancer surgery remains highly underfunded in Europe. Yet, the potential to obtain positive outcomes is greater for non-metastasised cancers than for metastasised cancers. ESSO can support the definition of collaborative research projects under the European research programmes, and the work of the Mission Board to increase research in such areas of unmet needs, while ensuring the active involvement of patients.<\/li>\n
  • ESSO can also help shape future research priorities to initiate and drive interdisciplinary research efforts to foster patient-centred care models and reduce health inequalities between and within Member States.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    PILLAR: \u2018IMPROVING EARLY DETECTION OF CANCER\u2019<\/h3>\n

    Cancer surgery plays a fundamental role in preventing or detecting cancer. Screening programmes can help detect cancer at an early-stage, when curative surgery has a greater chance to be successful. Further, performing resections in patients who have hereditary conditions that may cause a predisposition to cancer help to prevent cancer to develop. In previously treated patients, the follow-up performed by surgeons can support early detection of metastases.<\/em><\/p>\n

    European Guidelines and Quality Assurance schemes on cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up and palliative care for breast and colorectal cancer<\/h4>\n