THEn a Europe that wants to care better, in a more just and widespread way, a network is born that could change the history of the fight against cancer. The goal is ambitious: create, by 2028, a common structure of oncology centers of excellencecapable of guaranteeing every European patient high-quality care, continuous training for professionals and access to the most advanced research. A goal that also speaks Italian. Alliance Against Cancer (ACC), the National Oncology Network of the Ministry of Healthwill in fact be among the protagonists of the new European Network of Comprehensive Cancer Care Centers (EUnetCCC)the largest health initiative ever supported by the European Union.
There is a new chapter in the history of the European fight against cancer. And, as often happens when research meets vision, Italy is at the forefront. The 6 and 7 November in Paris will be officially presented EUnetCCC, the European Network of Comprehensive Cancer Care Centres — an unprecedented project, supported by the European Union, which aims to build a network of 100 certified oncology centers by 2028 able to guarantee that 90% of European patients can access high-quality integrated care, in close synergy with research and training. An idea that is not only health-related, but profoundly cultural: reducing inequalities, combining skills, sharing knowledge.
A stronger Europe against cancer
The project, supported by a budget of 112 million eurosinvolves over 160 partners from 31 countries and represents one of the most important actions of European Plan to Fight Cancer.
It is coordinated byFrench National Cancer Institute (INCa)under the management of HaDEA within the program EU4Health.
The objective is ambitious and concrete: to build a real pan-European infrastructure for oncologyin which exchange of good practices, certification, governance and training become tools of equity. In other words, it is about making the best possible care accessible to all European citizens, regardless of their place of birth or residence.
Italy is there, and leads training and governance
Among the protagonists of the initiative is Alliance Against Cancer (ACC)the National Oncology Network of the Ministry of Health, chaired by the professor Ruggero De Maria.
ACC will have a key role: it will coordinate the training of professionals and the development of governance models sustainable for future European Comprehensive Centres.
It is a prestigious position, which recognizes the solidity of the Italian oncology research system and its ability to network. The ACC Network brings together in fact 27 Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institutes (IRCCS)theINFNthe Cnao Foundationthe PoliMi FoundationtheHigher Institute of Health And AIMaCall under the aegis of the Ministry of Health. A constellation of excellences that has been collaborating on strategic European programs for years and which now brings a concrete vision of cooperation and equity of care to the heart of the EUnetCCC project.
From research to treatment: a truly integrated system
EUnetCCC is not just a project, but a promise of the future for everyone. Its program includes plenary sessions, working tables and the drafting of a White Paper dedicated to shared priorities: center certification, specialist training, patient participation and development digital healthdigital healthcare that integrates data and skills at the service of personalized medicine.
The Paris event will bring together more thousand participants between clinicians, researchers, policy makers and patient representatives.
A symbolic but also operational moment: the concrete launch of a network that aims to unite research and assistance, innovation and humanity.
A bridge between Italy and Europe
ACC’s participation represents a bridge between the national and European dimensions.
As stated in the official press release, “thanks to these commitments, ACC contributes to positioning Italy at the center of the construction of the European Health Data Space and of the new quality and equity policies of care”.
It is a goal that confirms how the collaboration between institutions, science and technology can build a care system closer to citizens.
Because behind every data network and laboratory there is a shared promise: that of one A fairer Europe even in illnesscapable of offering the same healing possibilities to anyone, wherever they live.
The goal: equitable access to care for all by 2030
With EUnetCCC, Europe takes a decisive step towards a truly integrated oncology systemfounded on excellence, equity and cooperation.
A system in which Italy, thanks to the National Oncology Network, is not only present but a protagonist.
The final objective – as the European Union reiterates – is clear and extraordinarily humane: ensure that every European citizen has access to high-quality cancer care, wherever they live, by 2030.
A dream that today, thanks also to Italian research, is starting to take shape.