ECHoS Holds Final Meeting in St Julian’s, Malta

On 23–24 June, the European project ECHoS (Establishing Cancer Mission Hubs: Networks and Synergies) held its final meeting in St Julian’s, Malta, bringing together project partners, representatives of European initiatives, and experts from across Europe. The event showcased the achievements of the past three years, including progress in establishing National Cancer Mission Hubs and strengthening collaboration with other European initiatives, while also marking the transition to the project’s next phase.

Establishing National Cancer Mission Hubs Across Europe

The main objective of ECHoS is to advance cancer research, innovation and healthcare by establishing National Cancer Mission Hubs. These hubs will serve as collaborative platforms bringing together government institutions, hospitals, universities, researchers, patient organisations and other stakeholders to support evidence-based cancer policies and facilitate the implementation of European initiatives at national level. The project involved 30 countries, resulting in the establishment of 17 National Cancer Mission Hubs across Europe, including in Poland, Greece, Malta, the Netherlands, Croatia, Sweden, Italy and Finland.

A Key Project Under the EU Cancer Mission

ECHoS is one of the projects contributing to the European Union’s Cancer Mission, which aims to improve the understanding of cancer, cancer prevention and early detection, treatment and quality of life, while reducing inequalities in cancer care across Europe. Achieving these goals requires close collaboration between healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, patient organisations and other stakeholders – an approach that lies at the heart of the ECHoS project.

Key Achievements and the Transition to ECHoS 2

The final meeting highlighted several key achievements, including the organisation of 14 policy dialogues, successfully organised two Cancer Mission Fairs, established synergies with 17 European initiatives, including EUCanScreen, EUnetCCC and JANE-2. Partners also presented a Business Continuity Model aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the National Cancer Mission Hubs and supporting the establishment of a European network, which will form the foundation for the next phase of the project, ECHoS 2, launching in July. The new phase will focus on strengthening the capacity of the hubs and ensuring their continued development.

EUCanScreen at the ECHoS Final Meeting

EUCanScreen was represented at the event by Sindija Kiršteine from the University of Latvia, the project’s coordinating institution.

Primary Health Care at the Heart of Prevention and Early Risk Detection

During his presentation at the 3rd Synergies Forum on Cancer Policy, Research & Funding Strategies, held in Athens from 29 June to 1 July 2026, Prof. Apostolos Vantarakis highlighted the pivotal role of Primary Health Care (PHC) in the transition from treatment-oriented care to prevention, emphasising that modern PHC is evolving into a cornerstone of public health by focusing on early risk detection, equitable access, and effectively linking citizens to organised community-based prevention programmes.

Primary Health Care: From Treatment to Prevention

As Prof. Apostolos Vantarakis noted, Primary Health Care is no longer simply the first point of contact with the health system when illness occurs. Instead, it is becoming a proactive mechanism for predicting and preventing disease, leveraging the long-term relationship between family physicians, community nurses, Primary Health Care teams (TOMYs), and citizens. This continuity of care enables the early identification of risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer through an increasingly organised, digitally supported, and holistic approach that also considers the social determinants of health.

Connecting Citizens with Prevention Programmes

Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of connecting Primary Health Care with community-based prevention programmes. According to Mr. Vantarakis, early risk detection has little value unless it is followed by effective referral, follow-up, and support. The personal and family physician is called upon to act as a “navigator” within the healthcare system, encouraging participation in prevention programmes while ensuring continuity of care, particularly for citizens facing social or geographical barriers to accessing health services.

Greece’s National Prevention Programme: PROLAMVANO

Referring to the current situation in Greece, Mr. Vantarakis described the implementation of the National Prevention Programme “PROLAMVANO” as a historic milestone, marking the country’s first comprehensive and systematic nationwide prevention initiative. The programme includes organized screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular risk assessment, supported by modern digital infrastructure such as electronic prescribing, the use of the national social security number (AMKA), and electronic invitations sent directly to eligible citizens.

Challenges to Achieving Equitable Participation

Despite this significant progress, he stressed that major challenges remain. Participation rates in prevention programmes continue to fall below national targets, while digital invitation systems alone are insufficient to effectively reach older adults, residents of remote areas, and other vulnerable population groups. Furthermore, shortages and uneven geographical distribution of personal and family physicians, incomplete enrolment in the Personal Physician system, and the longstanding fragmentation between primary and hospital care continue to hinder equitable access to preventive services.

The Contribution of EUCanScreen

At the European level, Mr. Vantarakis highlighted the importance of the EUCanScreen Joint Action, implemented under the EU4Health Programme and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The initiative aims to strengthen quality assurance, governance, and equitable access to cancer screening programmes while promoting the exchange of expertise, methodologies, and best practices among European countries. Greece’s active participation, he noted, offers a valuable opportunity to further enhance national prevention policies and improve the effectiveness of organised screening programmes.

Looking Ahead

Concluding his address, Mr. Vantarakis emphasized that the future success of Primary Health Care will not be measured solely by its ability to treat disease, but increasingly by its capacity to identify health risks early, effectively connect citizens with preventive services, and ensure that no one is left behind. As he underlined, Greece has taken the essential first step; the next—and most critical—challenge is to transform invitations into meaningful and equitable participation through a strong, well-staffed, and fully integrated Primary Health Care system.

WP6 Toolkit

Recently, an enthusiastic group of EUCanScreen partners were gathered in Tallinn with a special focus on exploring and developing the toolkit that will become one of the main deliveries of WP6.

The toolkit will serve as a plattform for sharing experiences and best practices from the different countries and partners on how to overcome systemic and individual barriers for participation in screening. 

Dedication and Contributions from WP6 Partners

Piret Veerus, Hilde Underthun and WP6 lead Mari Nygård arranged the meeting, and they express their gratitude for all the dedication and contributions from the WP6 partners. 

Interest Βeyond WP6 — Final Stage Ahead

We also experience that our way of thinking about a toolkit to share findings from EUCanScreen has appeal far beyond WP6. We contribute to the discussion on the possible extension of the toolkit to other work packages; however, this remains a commitment within the coordinator team. To maintain momentum and ensure timely delivery, WP6 is now entering the final stage of deciding which tools can be included in the toolkit. Any new suggestions should therefore be submitted within the next two weeks, says Mari Nygård.

GAB

On 16 June 2026, the 3rd Governmental Advisory Board (GAB) meeting of the EUCanScreen Joint Action was held online. The meeting focused on strategic developments within the project, including progress in the implementation of key project activities, to ensure that national authorities and decision-makers are informed about project developments and are able to actively engage and provide strategic guidance within the implementation process.

29 Participating Countries,

GAB plays an important advisory role in supporting the implementation and sustainability of cancer screening initiatives within EUCanScreen. The Board brings together representatives from national Ministries of Health, cancer programmes, and other key bodies from each of 29 participating countries, providing a high-level platform for strategic dialogue and collaboration across Europe.

Targeted Support Mechanism (TSM)

The agenda included presentations from project’s scientific leaders on key EUCanScreen activities and their development. Topics covered the Targeted Support Mechanism (TSM), which aims to strengthen governance and sustainability in cancer screening programmes through knowledge exchange and targeted support between participating countries, as well as the update of MAS-AI (Model for Assessing the Value of Artificial Intelligence), a tool designed to support informed decision-making regarding the adoption of AI solutions in healthcare.

Training and Courses

The meeting also reviewed capacity-building activities, specifically for trainers, including the development of a training frameworks and programmes, as well as the delivery of Train-the-Trainer courses in specialised areas such as colposcopy. It also highlighted achievements and ongoing developments of risk-based cancer screening approaches. In addition, preparations for the upcoming Joint Stakeholder Conference, which will take place in Rome, were also discussed.

The Project’s Developments

Board members actively participated in the meeting and expressed interest in the project’s developments and their potential impact at the national level by engaging in discussions, providing comments, and sharing feedback on the topics presented.

Involvement in EuCanScreen

Meetings of the GAB are key to ensuring the active involvement of national authorities and decision-makers in EUCanScreen, thereby supporting coordinated implementation and the sustainable development and strengthening of cancer screening initiatives across their respective jurisdictions.

Upper GI Endoscopy

Healthcare professionals from across Europe gathered at Kauno klinikos for the second edition of the international EUCanScreen course “Upper GI Endoscopy: How to Improve Your Cancer Detection Rate“. The programme focused on improving the quality of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and strengthening early cancer detection practices.

MAPS III Guidelines

During the two-day training, participants explored current challenges in upper GI endoscopy quality, discussed the latest MAPS III guidelines, analysed endoscopic and histological correlations, and examined the growing role of artificial intelligence in endoscopy. Workshops provided practical insights into recognising common endoscopic pitfalls and improving diagnostic accuracy.

Sharing Expertise

The course brought together a faculty from Kauno klinikos. Assoc. Prof. Romanas Zykus played a leading role in coordinating and delivering the programme, alongside Assoc. Prof. Dalius Petrauskas, Dr. Tadas Urbonas, Dr. Vytenis Petkevičius and Dr. Rolandas Gedgaudas, who shared their expertise through lectures and workshops.

Early Detection

“Early detection of upper gastrointestinal cancer depends not only on access to endoscopy, but also on the quality of every examination. Through international training initiatives such as EUCanScreen, we can share expertise, harmonise practices and contribute to higher diagnostic standards across Europe” says Assoc. Prof. Dalius Petrauskas, Head of the Endoscopy Unit at the Department of Gastroenterology.

Cancer Screening Practices Across Europe

Kauno klinikos is proud to contribute to the EUCanScreen initiative by sharing expertise and supporting the development of high-quality cancer screening practices across Europe. Strengthening professional competencies and international collaboration remains essential for improving early cancer detection and patient outcomes.

University of Latvia

From 5 to 8 June, representatives of the University of Latvia (LU) participated in a conference in Taiwan to promote international collaboration and exchange experience with leading experts in the field of cancer screening. During a visit to Changhua County, they gained first-hand insight into a unique community-based screening model that has been developed over more than 20 years. In this approach, screening is organised in locations that are easily accessible to local residents, such as schools, community centres and other public venues. This model encourages high levels of participation, enabling hundreds of people to be screened in a single day.

IACCS

From 5 to 8 June, the 17th International Asian Cancer and Chronic Disease Screening (IACCS) conference took place in Taipei and Changhua County, Taiwan. On the third day of the conference, participants joined an on-site visit to Changhua County to observe how this comprehensive community-based screening is organised in practice. During the weekend, a local secondary school was transformed into a screening centre featuring 16 different examination and consultation stations. Nearly 500 residents attended within just a few hours.

Innovative Approaches

So far, the programme has involved approximately one-third of the local population aged 40 years and over. The model covers screening for seven of the most common types of cancer, chronic diseases, mental health conditions and physical fitness assessment. It integrates a range of innovative approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for the analysis of large datasets and screening results, helping to provide more personalised preventive interventions. Two weeks after the examinations, participants meet with a doctor to discuss their results and agree on appropriate follow-up actions, ranging from healthy lifestyle recommendations to additional diagnostic tests, referrals to specialists or the prescription of medication.

Experts From Across the Globe

The four-day conference brought together experts from across the globe, including representatives from South Korea, Japan, Australia, the Philippines, the United States, Nepal and India. The conference focused on cancer and chronic disease screening aligned with the “4P” healthcare approach: preventive, predictive, participatory and personalised. Participants delivered scientific presentations and engaged in discussions on cancer screening, precision medicine, AI usage and effective population-based screening programmes in different countries.

Screening Programmes Across Europe

The visit took place within the framework of the Joint Action project EUCanScreen, with representation from the project’s Scientific Leader, Marcis Leja, and Project Coordinator, Iveta Enina. Professor Leja presented key lessons learned and the long-term outcomes of Latvia’s screening programme over the past decade, and chaired a session dedicated to gastric cancer screening. The insights gained during the visit will be incorporated into project activities, contributing to the further implementation and quality improvement of screening programmes across Europe.

6th Health Region of Greece

Professor Apostolos Vantarakis, representing 6th Health Region of Greece (6th DYPEDE), participated in the workshop “Clinical Studies in Oncology: Information, Knowledge, Safety” on 6 June 2026, highlighting the importance of clinical research, prevention and early diagnosis as interconnected pillars of modern cancer care.

Professor Vantarakis

During his intervention, Professor Vantarakis emphasised that clinical studies form the foundation of medical progress, enabling the evaluation of new medicines, innovative therapeutic approaches and advanced technologies that improve both survival outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. He noted that clinical trials provide patients with access to emerging treatment options while supporting the development of personalised, evidence-based medicine.

Supporting Effective Screening Policies

Particular emphasis was placed on the role of prevention and cancer screening as key instruments for reducing cancer incidence and mortality. In this context, Professor Vantarakis presented the EUCanScreen project, which seeks to strengthen and expand cancer screening programmes across Europe through the development of common tools and methodologies, the exchange of expertise and the use of scientific evidence to support effective screening policies.

Professor Vantarakis highlighted the significant contribution of 6th Health Region of Greece (6th DYPEDE) and the University of Patras to the project, stressing that international collaboration and scientific evidence are essential prerequisites for the development of effective public health policies.

Involving 18 European Countries.

During his address, he also announced that 6th DYPEDE will participate over the next three years in a new European Joint Action on clinical trials involving 18 European countries. The organisation will have an active role in two work packages, further strengthening Greece’s international presence in clinical research and creating new opportunities for innovative health initiatives.

Professor Vantarakis further underlined that patient safety remains a fundamental principle of every clinical study. He referred to the strict European and international standards governing clinical research, which ensure the protection of participants’ health, rights and personal data throughout the research process.

Close Cooperation

Concluding his remarks, Professor Vantarakis stressed that effective cancer control requires the integration of prevention, early diagnosis, clinical research and innovation, supported by close cooperation among scientific institutions, healthcare professionals, universities, patient organisations and public authorities. Initiatives such as EUCanScreen, together with the continued advancement of clinical research, offer significant opportunities to improve cancer prevention, treatment and quality of life for patients across Greece and Europe.

Latvia Reaches a Milestone in Digital Oncology Care

On 31 May this year, a major milestone in the digital transformation of oncology care in Latvia is set be reached with the conclusion of the project “Development of Clinical University Hospital Oncology Patient Data Exchange Platform”. Launched on 6 December 2023, the project aims to create a platform for optimally coordinated exchange of oncology patient data within the clinical university hospitals – Riga East Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS), Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS), and Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS) – as well as to ensure the digitalised exchange of oncology patient treatment and care data between these institutions.

A Unified Platform for Oncology Data Exchange

The results and benefits of the project are further explained by Aija Lagzdina, Director of Digital Transformation at RAKUS. A. Lagzdina notes that the data exchange platform for oncology patients has been implemented and is being further developed within clinical university hospitals, providing a unified, digitalised and standardised flow of patient data, thereby improving coordination of the treatment process and data quality.

Cooperation Between Institutions

Both objectives – the creation of a digital data exchange platform and the establishment of effective mutual data exchange between hospitals – are being achieved. The platform has already been developed and implemented, while the adaptation of related systems for data digitalisation and user training is currently ongoing in order to ensure even broader practical data exchange and cooperation between the involved institutions.

Supporting Collaborative Cancer Care

During the project, the university hospitals have jointly developed solutions for both paediatric and adult treatment and care needs, including the exchange of multidisciplinary oncology board decisions, transfer of surgical and diagnostic reports, as well as mutual access to medical images and videos between hospitals.

The platform will provide healthcare institutions with several key functionalities – organisation and decision-making support for inter-hospital councils, mutual exchange of diagnostic and results data, as well as real-time information exchange with the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in Latvia regarding the epidemiological situation and methodological guidelines. At the same time, it will foster centralised, secure and timely access to patient data and cooperation between clinical university hospitals.

Benefits for Patients

Patients will experience the project’s results with a faster, more coordinated and higher-quality care. Unified and up-to-date information will help ensure timely initiation of appropriate treatment, improve patient safety and care quality, and promote consistent, evidence-based clinical decision-making throughout the treatment process.

Timely access to essential diagnostic results across clinical university hospitals will be ensured, together with the possibility to rapidly organise inter-hospital councils for complex cases, as well as improved continuity of care. For patients, this will mean shorter waiting times, more accurate decisions, and a reduced need to repeat examinations or attend additional consultations at different healthcare institutions, as the necessary information will be available digitally to clinicians.

Future Expansion and Integration

Following the completion of the project, further expansion and integration of the platform within the wider health sector is planned – by enhancing functionality, connecting additional healthcare institutions and integrating the solution with other health information systems.

In the future, the platform is expected to be integrated into the unified health sector information system architecture, including linkage with the planned Unified Hospital Information System (VIPS), to ensure even broader availability and interoperability of medical data across healthcare providers. At the same time, it is essential to ensure long-term maintenance, data quality monitoring, and user training.

A Foundation for Future Healthcare Innovation

One of the most significant benefits is that, for the first time, a practically usable mechanism for real-time inter-hospital data exchange in oncology patient care has been created, laying the foundation for the development of similar solutions in other areas of healthcare in the future.

Project Funding and Timeline

The development and implementation of the oncology patient data exchange platform is being carried out under the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility plan 2.1.3.1.i investment project “Development of Clinical University Hospital Oncology Patient Data Exchange Platform” (project No. 2.1.3.1.i.0/2/23/I/CFLA/003).

The implementation of the main project results is planned to be completed by 31 May 2026, followed by a gradual expansion of use and user training.

A Significant Step Forward In Strengthening Cervical Cancer Screening

On 31 October 2025, Riga hosted an international colposcopy trainer course, marking a Significant Step Forward In Strengthening Cervical Cancer Screening and education across the region.

This training was organised under the umbrella of the EU-supported Joint Action project EUCanScreen, which focuses on implementing sustainable, high-quality screening programmes for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer across Europe.

Shifting Focus: Training the Trainers

Unlike standard clinical courses, the primary objective of this international course was “training the trainers.” Rather than focusing solely on the medical methodology itself, the curriculum was dedicated to enhancing the pedagogical, teaching, and feedback skills of existing experts. The goal was to master both the theoretical and practical aspects of delivering structured, high-quality colposcopy training to the next generation of medical professionals.

This initiative is part of a dedicated work package aimed at training cervical cancer screening specialists and establishing robust regional training centres. The work package is coordinated by the Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Centre under the leadership of Ameli Trope.

By preparing colposcopy training practitioners, the project ensures that these specialists can return to their respective countries and successfully implement structured, standardised colposcopy training programmes within their regions.

Led by International Experts

The course featured a prestigious lineup of instructors, bringing together internationally recognised European colposcopy specialists:

·         Assoc. Prof. Jana Zodzika – Secretary General of the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) and Associate Professor at Riga Stradins University (Latvia).

·         Ameli Trope – Head of the Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Centre.

·         Cecilia Karrberg – Specialist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (Sweden) and Chair of the Colposcopy Society.

A Strong Regional Impact

The course saw active participation from dedicated specialists across the Baltic region and beyond, welcoming attendees from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Ukraine.

By equipping these regional practitioners with advanced teaching tools, the EUCanScreen project continues to foster international collaboration and elevate the standards of cancer prevention and women’s healthcare across Europe.