Women Cancer Europe

EU Legislative Interests

Women Cancer Europe focuses its interest representation activities on European Union legislative and policy initiatives related to cancer care, survivorship, equality, and social and professional inclusion, particularly where patient experience and post-treatment impacts are relevant. These include, most recently: Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, including initiatives related to cancer survivorship, quality of life, and long-term follow-up of people living with and beyond cancer. Council Recommendation on strengthening prevention through early detection, insofar as it relates to patient pathways, access, and continuity of care. European Health Data Space Regulation, with attention to the use of health data for research, patient empowerment, and safeguards for people affected by serious illness. Regulation on health technology assessment, particularly regarding the inclusion of patient-reported outcomes and lived experience in assessment processes. European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, especially measures concerning equal opportunities, access to employment, social protection, and protection against discrimination for people living with chronic or long-term health conditions. Directive establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, including provisions on non-discrimination, reasonable accommodation, and professional reintegration following illness. Initiatives on inclusive labour markets and return-to-work policies, addressing employment retention, workplace adaptation, and support for people returning to work after serious illness. European Union gender equality strategies, insofar as they address structural inequalities affecting women’s health, employment trajectories, and socio-economic outcomes. Women Cancer Europe engages with these initiatives through awareness-raising, participation in consultations and stakeholder events, contribution of patient-led insights, and dialogue with public institutions and civil society, with the aim of promoting inclusive, patient-centred, and rights-based approaches.

Communication Activities

Women Cancer Europe carries out communication and outreach activities related to the above European Union policies with the aim of contributing patient-led perspectives, sharing lived experience, and supporting inclusive, evidence-informed policy discussions. These activities include participation in European Union–level conferences, public events, and stakeholder forums where EU health, social, and employment policies are discussed, including events organised or supported by European institutions, agencies, or affiliated platforms. The organisation contributes to policy-relevant discussions by sharing insights derived from patient and survivor experience, particularly on survivorship, quality of life, return to work, and non-discrimination. Women Cancer Europe engages in public consultations and calls for feedback launched by the European Commission or other EU bodies when relevant to cancer care, health data, equality, and employment-related initiatives. Where appropriate, the organisation submits written contributions or position-oriented input grounded in patient experience and civil society perspectives. The organisation also produces and disseminates publications, articles, and educational content that relate to EU initiatives in the fields of cancer policy, health systems, social inclusion, and employment. These materials aim to raise awareness of European policy developments, highlight gaps between policy and lived experience, and encourage patient-centred and rights-based approaches. In addition, Women Cancer Europe engages in dialogue and exchanges with representatives of EU institutions, agencies, and other stakeholders through meetings, roundtables, and informal briefings, primarily in the context of events, consultations, or collaborative initiatives. These interactions are conducted transparently and focus on information-sharing rather than advocacy for commercial or private interests. Communication activities may also include campaigns and collaborative actions with civil society organisations and patient groups to promote awareness of EU policies affecting people living with and beyond cancer, particularly women, and to support meaningful patient participation in European health and social policy processes.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

No affiliation yet as it is a newly established organisation.