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News announcement4 February 2021

JRC scientists on #WorldCancerDay: #WeWill work to one day conquer cancer

At the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, scientists of different backgrounds and with different expertise are dedicated to helping the Commission fulfil its mission to conquer cancer.

European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel and JRC researchers are committed to tackling cancer
European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel and JRC researchers are committed to tackling cancer
© EU 2021

At the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, scientists of different backgrounds and with different expertise are dedicated to helping the Commission fulfil its mission to conquer cancer.

Today, they speak about how they are working towards a world without cancer.

From improving, harmonising and unleashing the power of data to investing in communication and launching new knowledge platforms on cancer, these are the pledges of our scientists to stand up and take action this #WorldCancerDay.

More messages from JRC staff can be found on social media. Find them using the #IAmAndIWill hashtag!

Raquel Carvalho: I will work on cancer data to make it more accessible

Raquel Carvalho
Raquel Carvalho
© EU 2021

“I am Raquel Carvalho from Portugal. My job at the JRC is to develop the European Cancer Information System (ECIS), which is a reference point for reliable and comparable indicators on cancer burden in Europe.”

“Reliable indicators are essential for the development of effective, evidence-based policies to tackle the European cancer burden.”

“I will work to facilitate access to cancer data, promote a greater use of data, and invest in more efficient communication about cancer - starting with the #IAmAndIWill campaign!”

Mariya Gabriel: I will ensure that research will be at heart of Commission efforts to tackle cancer
European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel
European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel
© EU 2021

“As European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, I am aware that cancer represents a huge burden to our society and healthcare system.

That is why tackling the cancer burden in Europe is a priority for this Commission.

Research and innovation are indispensable for this task. Researchers can help us understand cancer, its risk factors and impact. Science and innovation are essential for improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

With the Horizon Europe research mission on Cancer entitled Conquering Cancer: Mission Possible we aim to avert more than 3 million additional premature deaths over the period 2021 – 2030.

In my role as European Commissioner, I will ensure that research and innovation will drive European Commission actions on cancer.”

Ciarán Nicholl: I will complete the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer to launch new cancer healthcare initiatives

Ciarán Nicholl
Ciarán Nicholl
© EU 2021

“I am Ciarán Nicholl from Ireland, and I am the head of the JRC’s Health in Society Unit. I am passionate about tackling cancer and non-communicable diseases, both for professional and personal reasons.”

“In the framework of the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer, we have developed European Guidelines and a Quality Assurance Scheme for the Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment and Care of Breast cancer.”

“This Initiative is now implementable in all Member States, it is patient-centric and it will improve cancer outcomes while reducing inequalities throughout the EU.”

“This month, together with my colleagues, I will kick start the European Commission Initiative on Colorectal Cancer, and we are already planning a future one on cervical cancer.”

Magdalena Stepien: I will help set up a new Knowledge Centre on Cancer

Magdalena Stepien
Magdalena Stepien
© EU 2021

“I am Magdalena Stepien from Poland. I am a nutrition scientist and at the JRC, I work in the health promotion group.

“My work aims to support policymaking and the sharing of best practices related to health promotion and non-communicable disease prevention, such as cancer.”

“This year, I will help set up the new Commission Knowledge Centre on Cancer. The Knowledge Centre will support Commission actions on cancer by aligning and coordinating their scientific and technical components.”

Guy Van Den Eede: I will make sure that JRC research supports the Commission efforts to conquer cancer

Guy Van Den Eede
Guy Van Den Eede
© EU 2021

“I am Guy Van Den Eede from Belgium. I am a scientist, and I am also the Director of Health, Consumers and Reference Materials at the JRC.”

“As a scientist, I want to believe that conquering cancer is mission possible.”

“As a Director of health research at the JRC, I will make sure that our research supports the Commission efforts to conquer cancer. In particular, we will work to provide the best possible evidence for the implementation of the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan and the Horizon Europe Mission on Cancer.”

“I am here to find solutions and I will make sure that we do our fair share to increase the understanding of cancer, its impact and risk factors.”

Ioanna Bakogianni: I will continue working hard to support policy makers with high quality information

Ioanna Bakogianni
Ioanna Bakogianni
© EU 2021

“My name is Ioanna Bakogianni and I come from Greece! I am a nutritionist and a health promotion enthusiast!”

“At the JRC, my work is focused on enabling people to take more control over their health and to improve it.”

“One of my tasks is to provide reliable information through the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway on factors that could increase or decrease the risk of cancer.”

“I will continue working hard to support policy makers with high-quality information for the development of effective policies that promote healthy behaviours and environments.”

“I will keep doing my best to promote health for EU citizens!”

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European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway

Details

Publication date
4 February 2021