{"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
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 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 In particular, surgical oncologists can provide significant support to advance the following pillars and initiatives of the Plan:<\/p>\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 <\/p>\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 Surgical treatment is integral to multidisciplinary care. Improving education and standards of surgical oncology uniformly across Europe would provide patients with equal chances to receive high quality cancer surgery, delivered by trained and qualified professionals.<\/em><\/p>\n Reducing inequalities in access to specialist care across Europe is key to ensure all patients can benefit from optimal cancer surgery.<\/em><\/p>\n Beyond these examples, ESSO is committed to support each pillar of the plan, notably taking part in initiatives in the areas of cancer prevention, and improving the quality of life of patients and families.<\/p>\n Surgical oncology specialists work is driven by the mission to provide the highest quality cancer care to patients. As such, they are committed to embedding the latest science and state-of-the-art practice of surgical oncology in EU initiatives and onco-policy. The EBCP is an unprecedented milestone of EU action in the field, and will require the expertise and knowledge of all specialists to become a reality for the benefit of each cancer patient across Europe.<\/strong><\/p>\nOffering specialist advice and multi-faceted support to realise the Plan<\/h1>\n
Concrete initiatives<\/h2>\n
PILLAR: \u2018PUTTING RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES AT THE SERVICE OF CANCER PREVENTION AND CARE\u2019<\/h3>\n
Knowledge Centre on Cancer and Cancer Mission Board and Harmonised Curriculum<\/h4>\n
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PILLAR: \u2018IMPROVING EARLY DETECTION OF CANCER\u2019<\/h3>\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
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PILLAR: \u2018ENSURING HIGH STANDARDS IN CANCER CARE\u2019<\/h3>\n
EU Network of National Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) including \u2018EU Cancer Treatment Capacity and Capability Mapping\u2019 project<\/h4>\n
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PILLAR \u2018REDUCING CANCER INEQUALITIES ACROSS THE EU\u2019<\/h3>\n
Cancer Inequalities Registry<\/h4>\n
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New European Reference Networks in poor prognosis cancers, and specific conditions related to genomics in cancer care<\/h4>\n
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