Cancer knows no borders and neither does the Establishing of Cancer Mission Hubs: Networks and Synergies (ECHoS) project. By building a network of National Cancer Mission Hubs (NCMHs) across Europe, the ECHoS project is setting the stage for long-term collaboration in cancer research and care. But what does this mean in practice?
The EU Cancer Mission team spoke with Anabela Isidro, Hugo Soares and José Salvado from the Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation in Portugal who are coordinating the project to find out more.
Describing the role of ECHoS as a “catalyst” for connection, Hugo Soares explains how many bridges the project builds. “ECHoS isn’t just about research, it’s about creating a network that makes sustainable change possible. We’re building an infrastructure that will allow countries to tailor cancer strategies to their specific needs while staying connected at a European level.”
Inclusion and innovation at the heart of ECHoS
The ECHoS project tackles a fundamental challenge – the fragmented nature of cancer research in Europe. ECHoS achieves this through bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders - healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and more - to work simultaneously on the implementation of Mission’s objectives and transversal priorities.
“One of our biggest goals is to ensure no country is left behind” José Salvado says when explaining how the existing Knowledge exchange sessions and Inception Dialogues help to align efforts and build capacity across countries.
From concept to action: first stop in Poland
After the first half of the project resulted successfully in defining and refining the concept of a Hub, the first National Cancer Mission Hub will soon be launched in Warsaw, Poland. Taking place between 20 and 22 May, during the first Cancer Mission Fair, this marks a major milestone for ECHoS and is a significant leap towards the implementation of the EU Cancer Mission.
The creation of NCMHs will not stop here. “What we’re seeing is an eagerness from countries to establish their own hubs, even before we expected” says Anabela Isidro. “This shows that there is a clear need for structured collaboration in cancer care.”
ECHoS is creating a scalable, adaptable model that each country can shape according to its own landscape. By March 2026, ECHoS aims for at least 15 hubs to be operational across Europe. These will act as facilitators that allow local communities to access reports and test results performed in any EU or Associated Country. This localised approach makes innovative research more widely accessible to communities working on research, health and more.
The inclusive spirit of ECHoS extends further. ECHoS recognises that fighting cancer is not only about care or research - it is about people. “The goal is to make sure everyone has a voice in shaping cancer care strategies” Anabela Isidro outlines. Beyond connecting researchers and clinicians, it actively engages citizens and stakeholders through dedicated work packages, by offering concrete guidelines, toolkits and trainings to involve local communities in the implementation of the Cancer Mission at local, regional or national level.
Overcoming challenges, learning lessons
It has not been completely smooth sailing for the project. ECHoS’ acknowledges the challenges of maintaining stakeholder alignment and engagement whilst contending with different governance structures, political landscapes, national contexts and overarching European and international obligations.
“Keeping people engaged and focused is always a challenge in large collaborative projects. But the trust and inclusiveness within ECHoS have made all the difference” notes Anabela Isidro.
By focusing on cooperation, transparency and trust, ECHoS is bridging these differences, demonstrating the power of inclusive collaboration.
As ECHoS moves forward, the future of this project looks bright. This project is already creating lasting networks that will reshape the future of cancer research and care across Europe. Stay tuned for more updates on ECHoS’ events and activities including the upcoming launch of the first NCMH.
National Cancer Mission Hubs
In case you missed it: A National Cancer Mission Hub (NCMH) is a country level structure that connects national and European cancer initiatives, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to enhance cancer prevention, care and research through scalable, sustainable and inclusive innovation.
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Details
- Publication date
- 24 March 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation