Abstract
Issue
Geographical cancer inequalities represent a major public health challenge in the European Union (EU). With the aim of reducing them, and based on the key cancer planning document in the EU-Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU network (EUnet) of Comprehensive Cancer Centers-CCCs (institutional or consortia-based) is being established, linking the existing and newly formed CCCs in Europe. Our aim is to emphasize the importance of integrating public health issues, such as prevention, into consortia-based CCCs.
Description of the problem
The establishment of the innovative EUnet of CCCs is taking place within the project EUnetCCC Joint Action (2024-2028). In the frame of work on sustainability, the CCCs are being established also in the countries without one until now. Slovenia, a small Member State (MS) without a CCC, is establishing a consortia-based CCC connecting seven tertiary level institutions. Constant help of project coordinators and experiences from other well established European CCCs are of key importance. The question was how to incorporate public health issues into Slovenia’s new CCC.
Effects
With participation of the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) in the emerging Slovenian CCC crucial cancer related public health issues are covered. That includes primary and secondary prevention, as organized national colorectal cancer screening program is based at the NIPH, as well as the important topic of human resources planning in health care, as NIPH manages the national databases. NIPH will thus improve the quality and scope of contents covered by the CCC.
Lessons
By establishing consortia-based CCCs and involving public health institutions in them, the innovative EUnet will be consolidated and improved, which is of key importance for MSs, especially for small countries. Additionally, this concept is an ideal opportunity for strengthening connections among Europe’s public health community for the benefit of all citizens and patients.
Key messages
• Public health issues as prevention, screening and health data play an important role in CCCs.
• Consortia based CCC in a small MS should serve as the example of inclusion of public health.