CONFERENCE
The prevention of gastric and other gastrointestinal cancers remains insufficiently developed in many European countries. There is a lack of effective, evidence-based screening programmes adapted to regional needs. The European Union has stressed the importance of developing targeted strategies for high-risk populations. In this context, Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) play a key role as platforms for implementing personalised approaches. The goal of the EUnetCCC project (European Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres) is to create a European comprehensive cancer center network.
Over two days, the EUnetCCC workshop at Centre Léon Bérard brought together specialists from France and Romania to examine personalised prevention practices in both clinical and research settings. The programme included practical examples from prevention and survivorship care, as well as targeted interventions for individuals at high genetic risk. Experts discussed the role of “Prevention Hubs” and their integration into the operations of Comprehensive Cancer Centres. The workshop served as a platform for sharing knowledge and developing a common understanding of personalised prevention across Europe.
The workshop featured contributions from experts at Centre Léon Bérard and Unicancer (France), as well as from the “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță” Oncology Institute in Romania. Dr Béatrice Fervers presented Centre Léon Bérard’s experience in delivering integrated prevention services. Dr Pauline Rochefort and Dr Olivia Pérol shared examples of personalised approaches in clinical settings. Dr Délia Nicoară, representing Romania, presented secondary prevention initiatives in her country and emphasised the importance of international cooperation in advancing this field. The event concluded with closing remarks by Prof Jean-Yves Blay, Director General of CLB, who highlighted the strategic importance of CCCs in public health policy.
The Lyon workshop reinforced collaboration among cancer centres across Europe and supported a shared understanding of how prevention can be tailored to each patient's risk profile, genetic background, and lifestyle. The EUnetCCC initiative supports the development of sustainable, evidence-based models that may form the basis for future national prevention programmes, including in Latvia.
The workshop demonstrated that personalised cancer prevention is becoming an essential element of public health. Ongoing knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration among cancer centres are key to building more effective and equitable prevention strategies throughout Europe.
For more on EUnetCCC activities and updates, visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eunetccc-european-network-of-comprehensive-cancer-centres
