WP2 has progressed on many aspects. A new brandbook has been produced. Also project identity plan has been organized. Finally, a press letter has been prepared.

WP5 has progressed on many fronts. 5.1 & 5.2: Survey on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of data sharing, as well as on the availability of data for monitoring cancer screening programmes has been circulated and answers have received. Survey for cancer screening data availability and legal landscape performed and milestone on survey documentation delivered 09/2025.

Stay updated on EUCanScreen’s latest progress, collaborations, and upcoming events. Discover key project developments, innovative cancer screening approaches, and community engagement initiatives driving change across Europe. #CancerScreening #EUProjects

EUCanScreen was honored to receive an invitation to participate in the EUnetCCC Annual Meeting 2025, held on 6–7 November 2025 in Paris. During this key gathering shaping the future of cancer care, research, and education in Europe, the EUCanScreen team had the opportunity to showcase the project’s goals, activities, and progress, highlighting its contribution to advancing equitable and high-quality cancer screening across Europe.

Nutrition, Prevention and Cancer

The conference “WOMAN = STRENGTH – FIGHT – LIFE: Light on Breast Cancer Prevention” took place on 22 October 2025 at the Hellenic Cancer Society, Achaia Branch, in Greece.

Professor Apostolos Vantarakis delivered a lecture focusing on the crucial relationship between nutrition, prevention, and cancer, within the broader context of modern oncology. Today, oncology is experiencing the most productive and transformative period in its history, with an unprecedented volume of new scientific knowledge continuously emerging. This rapid progress is reshaping our understanding of cancer and revolutionizing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Professor Vantarakis highlighted how this scientific “revolution” increases the need for timely, reliable, and accessible information—both for the scientific community and for society as a whole. His lecture aimed to present key developments in research related to diet, lifestyle, and cancer screening, emphasizing their role in early detection and cancer prevention.

A central objective of the lecture was to bring younger scientists into closer contact with the advancements of modern oncology, encouraging them to engage with the evolving field, understand the importance of organized screening programmes, and contribute to the long-term vision:
A future where cancer can be prevented, detected early, and ultimately eliminated from modern societies.

The 6th DYPEDE of Greece had a particularly dynamic presence at Pink the City 2025 in Patras, showcasing the European programme EUCanScreen at its informational booth during the major annual event organized by the Patras “Alma Zois” Association to raise awareness about breast cancer.

During the event, staff members from the central services of the 6th DYPEDE informed visitors and distributed printed materials about EUCanScreen, which is funded by the European Union. The programme aims to support and promote strategies for implementing high-quality cancer screening programs across Europe.

In his address, the 6th DYPEDE’s Manager, Mr. Ilias Theodoropoulos, highlighted the contribution of the 6^th DYPEDE to breast cancer prevention through the initiatives carried out by its healthcare units. As he stated:

“It is a great pleasure and honor to be here with you and to collaborate within the framework of European projects such as EUCanScreen. We stand by you, and we always will, doing our very best for everyone.”

On his part, Professor Apostolos Vantarakis from the Hygiene Laboratory of the School of Medicine at the University of Patras, spoke about the importance of this European initiative and the opportunities for collaboration with all stakeholders. In his greeting, he noted:

“I hope today’s event becomes yet another step toward a society with more knowledge, innovation, solidarity, care, and love for life.”

Through its participation in Pink the City 2025, the 6th DYPEDE reaffirmed its commitment to promoting prevention and early diagnosis, contributing actively to public awareness and education.

 The 25th Postgraduate Conference “Advances in Oncology” took place on 7–8 November 2025 at the Conference and Cultural Center of the University of Patras, Greece.

This long-standing scientific event once again brought together leading experts, researchers, and clinicians to discuss the latest developments in oncology. It is widely recognized that modern oncology is currently going through the most fruitful and transformative period in its history, with a vast amount of new knowledge continuously emerging and reshaping the way cancer is understood and treated. This remarkable progress is largely driven by advances in artificial intelligence, molecular biology of tumors, and cancer immunology.

The conference aims to provide timely and reliable scientific updates, to promote the exchange of knowledge and perspectives among researchers from diverse fields, and to bring younger scientists into closer contact with the frontiers of oncology and cancer research.

Among the distinguished participants were Professor A. Vantarakis and Dr. Joanna Velissari, who contributed with insightful presentations connected to the EUCANSCREEN project:

• A. Vantarakis – “Screening and Health Inequalities”
  A. Vantarakis lecture focused on how modern oncology intersects with public health, emphasizing the importance of addressing health inequalities in cancer screening and care. The talk highlighted the need for equitable access to screening and the dissemination of scientific knowledge across all levels of society.
• Joanna Velissari – “Prevention and Survival: EUCANSCREEN, a European Perspective”
  J. Velissari presented the EUCANSCREEN project, exploring how organized screening programs across Europe impact cancer prevention and survival. The session discussed challenges and barriers to screening participation and underlined the importance of collaborative European efforts in improving early detection and reducing disparities.

The conference fostered a dynamic dialogue on how screening, prevention, and equal access to health services are key to the vision of eradicating cancer from modern societies.

Advancing Cancer Care in Moldova

On 9–10 October 2025, the National Oncology Congress – 6th Edition was held at Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel, Chișinău. More than a scientific gathering, the event became a platform for strengthening prevention efforts, updating national oncology projects, and engaging the medical community and the general public in the fight against cancer. Accredited with 15 CME points, the Congress brought together local and international experts to address essential topics that directly impact patient outcomes:
• screening programs and early detection
• personalized therapies and immunotherapy
• minimally invasive surgical approaches
• modern radiotherapy
• pediatric oncology and palliative care.

The 2025 edition

The 2025 edition highlighted crucial achievements for national cancer control:

• 65 years of the Oncology Institute-a milestone that reflects decades of development, innovation, and commitment to patient care.
• 10 years of the National Cancer Control Program (2016–2025)-a decade of coordinated efforts in screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancer in Moldova.
• 15 years of the Oromaxillofacial Prosthetics Service-the only specialized unit in the country offering prosthetic rehabilitation for head and neck defects — improving quality of life for both oncologic and non-oncologic patients.

These anniversaries served as a moment to reflect on progress and to reinforce the commitment to improving cancer services for all citizens.

Awareness & Prevention – A Central Theme of the Congress

Early detection and education were at the core of many presentations and discussions. Experts emphasized:

• the need for stronger population-wide screening programs,
• the importance of public awareness campaigns, and
• the value of evidence-based prevention strategies.

EUCanScreen Team – Strengthening Screening Programs in Moldova

A dedicated presence at the Congress was the EUCanScreen Team, part of the first project implemented under EU4HEALTH. Their contribution enriched both the scientific discussions and public outreach activities. The team presented the project’s mission: “Assuring sustainable implementation of high-quality screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, while exploring pathways for screening lung, prostate, and stomach cancers.”

During the Congress, EUCanScreen experts:
• engaged with healthcare professionals to discuss implementation strategies
• informed the wider public about the importance of population-based screening
• emphasized the value of early detection and equitable access
• Highlighted Moldova’s role within European initiatives aimed at reducing cancer burden.

Their participation demonstrated the project’s commitment to supporting the development of robust, high-quality screening services in the country

A united step for women’s health

On October 26, 2025, Valea Morilor Park in Chișinău hosted the largest international charity race dedicated to women’s health and the fight against breast cancer—Race for the Cure Moldova. The event brought together hundreds of participants: women, men, children, families, and healthcare professionals who came to run, walk, or simply show support for women affected by breast cancer. The race was non-competitive, focusing on solidarity, well-being, and the joy of community involvement. A vibrant atmosphere filled the park, as participants carried a shared message of hope and awareness: breast cancer can be prevented and detected early.

The Oncology Institute

The Oncology Institute played an active role in the event, with specialist doctors, residents, and volunteers running alongside participants while promoting the importance of cancer prevention and regular medical examinations.
An informational booth set up by the Institute provided participants with practical knowledge, including:

• how to correctly perform breast self-examination?
• which warning signs should never be ignored?
• how to schedule specialized consultations at the Institute.

Early Detection Campaign

This outreach activity forms part of the Early Detection Campaign for Breast Cancer, carried out under the National Cancer Control Project 2016–2025 (PNCC 2016–2025) and supported by the EUCanScreen European project, which aims to strengthen sustainable, high-quality screening programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers.
At the booth, Oncology Institute specialists used educational anatomical models to demonstrate simple examination techniques that every woman can safely and effectively perform at home each month.

The initiative highlighted the essential role of health education in reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses. By engaging directly with the public, the Oncology Institute helped break down myths, answer questions, and empower women to take proactive steps toward safeguarding their health.

Race for the Cure Moldova 2025 once again demonstrated the power of collective action. The support shown by participants, volunteers, and medical professionals reaffirmed a shared commitment to fighting breast cancer through awareness, compassion, and early detection.

European discussions on risk-based screening

Two surgical oncologists from the IMSP Institutul Oncologic, Republic of Moldova—Buruiană Gheorghe (Surgical Oncologist, Thoracoabdominal Unit) and Cernat Mircea (Surgical Oncologist, Gastroenterology Unit)-participated in the EUCanScreen Conference on Personalised Cancer Screening, an expert meeting bringing together leading specialists from across Europe.

The conference provided Moldova with valuable insights into how personalised, risk-based screening models can be adapted to national healthcare systems. Our representatives gained:
• Understanding of risk-stratified screening pathways for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and gastric cancers—knowledge that can support structured, evidence-based planning in Moldova.
• Examples of successful European implementation, such as the MyPeBS breast cancer trial and RISCC cervical screening model, offering practical lessons for improving screening quality and resource allocation.
• Exposure to innovative tools including polygenic risk scores, AI-supported triage, and multicancer early detection tests, which highlight future directions for early diagnosis in Moldova.
• Guidance on communication strategies, ensuring that personalised screening can be introduced transparently and ethically, with citizen engagement at its core.
These learnings contribute directly to Moldova’s long-term objective of enhancing early cancer detection and reducing the national burden of disease.

The participation of Dr. Buruiană and Dr. Cernat provided valuable exposure to emerging scientific evidence and international best practices. Their involvement supports the development of modern, risk-based approaches within Moldova’s oncology services and strengthens the national capacity to improve early detection.

Engagement in this EU-level event reinforces Moldova’s collaboration with European screening experts. The insights gained will contribute to strategic discussions on adapting personalised screening models to the Moldovan context.