It was a real privilege to attend The Economist Impact World Cancer Series Europe meeting in Brussels. This year’s conference was attended by a wide range of leaders in the global cancer community and the discussions focused on inclusive access to care and better outcomes for all. Collaboration is vital and these two days of thought-provoking panels and interviews provided much-needed space for reflection and a chance to map out a path for the future. I have three reflections I’d like to share.
One of the words that came up time and time again was “data.” Perhaps that’s not surprising given this was a gathering of leaders all working in a scientific arena. Data arms policy makers (who hold budgets) with the ammunition needed to create change. Here at the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the only global advocacy organization dedicated solely to addressing this devastating disease, we are acutely aware of this. This year we published a first-of-its-kind study that reveals the major socioeconomic burden ovarian cancer has on communities around the world. Data from the Socioeconomic Burden of Ovarian Cancer in 11 Countries study offers pivotal evidence that allows the Coalition and our advocacy partners to engage policy makers in new ways to call for policy changes that will benefit millions of women, their families and carers. Whilst many agree that intelligence must guide our path, one speaker spoke emphatically about how winning over policy makers isn’t just about the “head”, it must also involve the “heart” and the “pocket”.
What does it really mean to talk about equity in terms of good cancer care? We are in danger of banding around the term without really understanding what it means. Equity and inclusiveness must be understood in terms of socioeconomics. For example, if you live 2-3+ hours away from a doctor and you don’t have a car, that might mean you have to take a bus, if that’s even possible. All of this might result losing a day’s earnings – for one appointment. Really understanding patient experiences, backgrounds and lives is critical. To that end, we are excited to soon publish a valuable update to our Every Woman Study™. The Every Woman Study™: Low- and Middle-Income Edition is the first patient-led research of its kind revealing the lived experiences of women with ovarian cancer in LMIC.
There are 20 million cancer survivors in Europe. Focusing on treatment and access to it is of course important but many spoke about the need for more research and investment in cancer survivorship – life during and after cancer. Cancer can come with long term side effects and mental health challenges. Cancer patients don’t just want to live, they want to live well. It was powerful to hear Eva-Maria Stromsholm’s story. A nurse, survivor and patient advocate (pictured above) who shared a striking image – a large multi-disciplinary team in an operating theatre all looking at a cancer tumour while the patient sits on the outside alone, looking on. A powerful picture which spoke a thousand words.
– Annabel Deegan, Communications Advisor, World Ovarian Cancer Coalition