Global Cancer Ecosystem launches marking significant milestone in reducing cancer inequalities

Global Cancer Ecosystem launches marking significant milestone in reducing cancer inequalities

The Global Cancer Ecosystem was officially launched today at the Global Health Connector Summit, held at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to reduce cancer inequalities.

Presented as a "Crucible for CollaborAction," the Global Cancer Ecosystem (GCE) is a a new global platform designed to reduce cancer inequalities through collective, measurable action.

The GCE was formally introduced during a dedicated high-level session led by Brian O'Connor, Chairman of Global Health Connector, alongside Mark Lawler, Professor of Digital Health at Queen's University Belfast, and Eduardo Pisani, CEO of All.Can International, all members of the Steering Group of the Global Cancer Ecosystem.

Pictured L-R are: Brian O'Connor, Chairman of Global Health Connector, alongside Mark Lawler, Professor of Digital Health at Queen's University Belfast, and Eduardo Pisani, CEO of All.Can International, all members of the Steering Group of the Global Cancer Ecosystem.

The Global Cancer Ecosystem is a global communication and CollaborAction platform that connects stakeholders across regions, disciplines, and sectors to reduce cancer inequalities.

It is focussed on addressing social and equity gaps in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, enabling global-local translation and capacity building and strengthening digital and data infrastructure for smarter, ethical, and more equitable cancer care.

Brian O'Connor, Chairman of Global Health Connector, said: "We created the Global Cancer Ecosystem in response to demand from our members, partners, and 90+ communities around the world. They wanted a focal point that would connect the many initiatives taking place globally, amplify the excellent work being done by so many, and, with that collective power and collective voice, make a sustainable difference."

Cancer remains one of the most pressing global health challenges. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 35 million new cancer cases are projected by 2050 - a 77% increase from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022.

This rapidly growing global cancer burden reflects population ageing and growth, as well as changes in exposure to risk factors, many of which are linked to socioeconomic development.

Despite scientific breakthroughs and policy advances, inequalities in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship persist both between and within countries.

Professor Mark Lawler, Professor of Digital Health at Queen's University Belfast, emphasised the urgency of coordinated action:

"The data do not lie. Cancer is the greatest global challenge in human health. Global challenges need global solutions and fast - hence our Global Cancer Ecosystem. Cancer won't wait. We can't wait. Our Crucible for CollaborActionis a Call to Action - uniting the community to act urgently, to compete not against each other, but against our common enemy: cancer."

The growing strain on cancer care systems globally was also highlighted during the session.

Eduardo Pisani, CEO of All.Can International, noted: "Cancer care systems are under unprecedented strain in Europe and globally. In this context, improving efficiency is not only an economic necessity but also a patient imperative. Efficient cancer care means achieving better health outcomes with a smarter use of available resources - by ensuring care is timely,well-coordinated, and patient-centered."

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Media inquiries to Sian Devlin at [email protected]

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