Supporting the establishment of new networks of expertise on cancer and cancer conditions 

Expected Impact:

The expected result is to enable stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the joint action on new networks of expertise launched under the EU4Health work programme 2023. This will include of establishing within the networks of expertise supporting actions for patients, families, caregivers and other participants in the fight against cancer. This action will help Member States to improve cooperation among their cancer services and with health professionals and patient advocates (by for instance addressing skill gaps and better equipping the health workforce in cancer care); and to improve and deepen the cooperation with the non-governmental sector.

Objective:

Activities will complement the joint action on new networks of expertise to be launched under the EU4Health work programme 2023 (CR-g-23-40.1-2).

Scope:

Activities will complement the joint action on new networks of expertise to be launched under

the EU4Health work programme 2023 (CR-g-23-40.1-2), and include:

a) implementing targeted projects involving patient organisations, civil societies, non-government organisations complementing the Member States' efforts in the design, planning and implementation of the networks;

b) the establishment of best practices, the production of public health, treatment guidelines, or

other actions that can benefit patients;

c) the preparation and roll out of innovative practices (pilot tests), and support actions such as training and twinning, health communication or health literacy.

Support activities could include:

a) practical support (to help patients better understand the impact of cancer and treatment; managing the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment);

b) emotional support (regular consultations in support groups and workshops, aimed at supporting and helping patients to manage the difficult psychological and emotional impact of cancer);

c) education and information (practical information on diet in cancer, oncology workshops for healthcare professionals and support personnel, tailored to specific types of cancer and their symptoms).

These resources will help guiding patients through their cancer journey by shedding light on some of the unknowns that come with a cancer diagnosis. The resources will also include a range of exercise classes and groups to suit individual needs (physical activities can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, improving patient mood and physical functioning); organising of survivorship groups for families and patients for education of special techniques and acquiring skills for dealing with stress and anxiety with cancer; mindfulness resources and programmes to help patients and their families to improve and maintain their wellbeing; manage the emotional challenges that a cancer diagnosis and treatment can present that can be an important part of the patient cancer journey.

Applicants must be legally established organisations, public authorities or public sector bodies (in particular, research and health institutions, universities and higher education establishments) in EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories linked to it (OCTs).

Applications will also be accepted from EEA countries and countries associated to the EU4Health Programme (third countries, candidate countries and potential candidate countries, neighbourhood countries) or countries which are in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement and where the agreement enters into force before grant signature.

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