Nordic Precision Cancer Medicine Conference

We are looking forward to participating at the Nordic Precision Cancer Medicine conference in Oslo during next week. In addition, it will be great to take the opportunity to get together with our friends and colleagues in the PCM4EU and PRIME-ROSE projects with focus on implementation of precision cancer medicine across the Nordics and Europe. 

We hope you will take the chance to listen to our colleagues contributing during the conference such as in Session 3 on Health economics, Implementation and Policies. Katrina Steen Carlsson, IHE will be speaking about the implementation of precision cancer medicine and economic evaluation for Health Technology Assessment and how we work with this in Sweden within the new national PCM study and Bettina Ryll, Vision Zero Cancer, will be speaking about connecting precision medicine ecosystems across Europe.

Read more about the conference and the program visit Nordic Precision Cancer Medicine NPCM2023

From breakthrough to follow through in radiotherapy

Today we hosted a multi-stakeholder cancer meeting together with The Embassy of Sweden in Vienna and our co-founder Elekta. On the topic “From breakthrough to follow through in radiotherapy” in the context of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of EU and the ongoing ESTRO Congress.

We were delighted that so many joined us in the dynamic dialogue on the implementation of EU Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission with a special focus on radiotherapy, the too often forgotten critical component of comprehensive cancer care in Europe and across the world.

The meeting featured presentations and interactive discussions on how to capitalize on the momentum in the EU to translate research and innovation to patient benefit, highlighting what needs to be done and how we can collaborate more intensively to accelerate implementation and ensure greater equality and access to innovative radiotherapy to all eligible patients. The role of Comprehensive Cancer Centers, mission-oriented innovation and cancer mission hubs will be key ingredients.

This interactive meeting took place on May 12 at the Embassy of Sweden in Vienna and brought together experts from cancer care, academia, industry, public sector and civil society. It was a follow-up of the cancer conference organized in Stockholm on the 31st of January and we were so happy that Professor Mark Lawler joined us to present the European Groundshot Lancet Oncology Commission report, this time focusing on radiation oncology. The program with all speakers and panellists is published below!



BIOGRAPHY SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS

Professor Mark Lawler
HDR UK Associate Director at Queens University Belfast

Mark is an internationally renowned scientist with over 200 papers including key publications in the highest impact journals. His work has been recognised by numerous national and international awards. He is Associate Director of Health Data Research Wales-Northern Ireland which is driving innovative precision medicine and public health approaches through the use of Big Data. He is Scientific Director of DATA-CAN, the UK’s National Health Data Research Hub for Cancer. Mark has a strong commitment to patient-centred research/care and to addressing cancer inequalities. He was architect of the European Cancer Patient’s Bill of Rights, which he launched in the European Parliament with colleagues on World Cancer Day 2014. The Bill of Rights received The 2018 European Health Award, a prestigious award for partnerships that yield real health impact in Europe. Mark’s work on addressing inequalities and access issues in relation to cancer care formed the centrepiece in the development by the European Cancer Organisation of the European Code of Cancer Practice, which Mark launched (virtually) with EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides in Brussels in September 2020 Mark’s work on Covid-19 and its impact on cancer services and cancer patients has received international attention and he co-chairs the European Cancer Organisation’s (E.C.O) Special Focused Network on Covid-19 and cancer, which launched its 7-Point plan to Build Back Better (and smarter) from Covid. He presented recent data on Covid’s impact on cancer in Europe to the Europe Beating Cancer Committee in the European Parliament and launched E.C.Os pan European Time To Act Campaign to ensure that Covid-19 does not stop us from tackling cancer. This work recently received the prestigious Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Award. Mark recently received the Irish Association for Cancer Research’s Outstanding Contribution to cancer research award, for his pioneering work on cancer research and cancer care on the island of Ireland. Mark is Chair of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, an international collaborative that employs a data- driven approach to improve outcomes for cancer patients.


Prof. Yolande Lievens
Chair of the radiation oncology department, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Belgium

Prof. Yolande is the current chair of the radiation oncology department of the Ghent University Hospital in Ghent, Belgium, and associate professor at the Ghent University. She graduated from the Catholic University in Leuven, where she acquired her degrees in Medicine, Radiation Oncology and Hospital and Health Care Management, and completed her PhD in cost-accounting and economic evaluation of radiotherapy. Her clinical focus lies on radiation therapy for thoracic malignancies, with an additional interest for the role of radiotherapy in hematology, breast cancer and oligometastatic disease. Apart from the clinics, she has always been closely involved in the organizational aspects of radiotherapy, in the position of radiotherapy within multidisciplinary oncology and in the financial and health economic aspects of cancer care. As a natural consequence, global oncology has also become one of her focuses. Finally, she is interested in quality issues in radiation oncology, not only in terms of quality assurance but also regarding the impact of radiation treatments on quality of life and patient-reported outcomes. She has a broad professional and scientific collaboration with national and international organizations, such as the Belgian Knowledge Centre and the Belgian Cancer Registry, the Belgian College for Physicians in Radiation Oncology, the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Amongst others, she is co-chairing the ESTRO Health Economics in Radiation Oncology (HERO) project and primary investigator of the EORTC/ESTRO E2-RADIATE project. She is former president of ESTRO and of the Belgian College for Physicians in Radiation Oncology. She is one of the experts appointed to co-develop the revised reimbursement system of radiotherapy in Belgium. She is convinced that an optimal combination of clinical, translational and health services research is key to the future of radiation oncology and to advance the outcome of cancer patients, by sustaining.


Ms. Eva Jolly
Chief Coordinating Officer at Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Centre

Eva Jolly current position is as Chief Coordinating Officer at Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Stockholm, Sweden. Eva has a MSc in oncology nursing with long experience of leadership at different levels within cancer care, 2012-2022 she held the position of nurse director for the Radiotherapy department at Karolinska CCC. She is active in different networks both nationally and internationally within the cancer field.  She is currently a board member of OECIs (Organisation of European cancer Institutes) accreditation and designation board. Eva is devoted to contributing to the development of cancer care and co-creation with patients, their families and involvement of citizens.


Dr. Edvard Abel
Centre Director, Sahlgrenska Comprehensive Cancer Center

Edvard Abel is a clinical oncologist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, with a PhD in radiotherapy and around 20 years of experience working as a radiotherapist. He has been an active member of the national study group of Head and neck cancer in Sweden as well as one of the experts in a recent survey of the conditions of radiotherapy in Sweden. He was the Chief medical officer of radiotherapy in the Western region of Sweden between 2016-2022, before being appointed as the current Centre Director of Sahlgrenska Comprehensive Cancer Centre.


Dr. John P Christodouleas
Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Clinical Research at Elekta

Dr. Christodouleas is Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Clinical Research at Elekta, Inc. He is also an active radiation oncologist and an internationally recognized authority on the treatment of prostate and bladder cancer. Christodouleas has written extensively about ways to optimize cancer control and quality of life for patients with cancer and has published primary research, reviews and editorials in a variety of journals including The New England Journal of Medicine, Cancer and The International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics. He has authored over 20 book chapters on the care of cancer patients and is co-editor of one of the leading textbooks in radiation oncology, currently in its 3rd edition. Dr. Christodouleas serves as co-primary investigator for the MOMENTUM Study, an international observational cohort study of MR-guided radiation therapy.


Dr. May Abdel-Wahab
Director of the Division of Human Health (NAHU), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

May Abdel-Wahab, MD, PhD is the Director of the Division of Human Health (NAHU) at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria. She has over 30 years of patient care, teaching, and research experience in the field of radiation oncology, specializing in treatment of prostate and gastrointestinal cancers. Her main areas of general focus include healthcare access and training, as well as novel solutions to address disparity and diversity issues. She has served as a member and chair, on various National and International committees, including the United Nations Interagency Task Force Steering committee (UNIATF) on Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which coordinates UN-wide activities in NCDs. She is a member of the UN Joint Programme on the Cervical Cancer Control Steering Committee, working at the global and national level with participating countries to support a national comprehensive cervical cancer control programme. She is co-lead author on the Lancet Oncology Commission report on Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, studying cost and access in oncology. She has served as chair of the ASTRO Committee for Healthcare Access & Training and Co-Chair of the Integration of Health Enterprise in Radiation Oncology (IHE-RO) Planning Committee, working on interconnectivity issues at various levels of patient care. Prior to joining IAEA, she was section head of GI Radiation Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic, USA, and Professor at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner School of Medicine, Case Western University. Her research also focused on prostate and GI cancers as well as quality assurance and safety and access to radiotherapy. She is a fellow of both the American Board of Radiology (ACR) and the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and was featured on the Best Doctors in America listing, among other honors.


Prof. Richard Sullivan
Professor of Cancer and Global Health, King’s College London

Richard Sullivan FRCS PhD FFPM is Professor of Cancer and Global Health at King’s College London and Guy’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre. He is Director, Institute of Cancer Policy & Director, Centre for Conflict & Health Research at King’s. He is an NCD advisor to World Health Organisation, World Bank and various international organisations and governments. His global cancer research programs cover cancer systems strengthening, financing, political economy, global cancer surgery particularly virtual reality-enhanced surgical simulation, as well as studies into social welfare and cancer care in conflict. He also directs several major research programs in conflict and health with a special focus on the Middle East, including Health Security Intelligence, Global Health Security and health systems strengthening in conflict. Professor Sullivan trained in surgical oncology (urology) gaining his PhD in Biochemistry from University College London. He has published over 400 articles, including seventeen Lancet & Lancet Oncology Commissions. Richard was formally Clinical Director of Cancer Research UK and the trans-Atlantic Council for Emerging National Security Affairs.


Ms. Anne Starz
Head of Resource Mobilization, IAEA

Ms. Startz is the Extrabudgetary Resources Coordinator and Section Head for Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation in the Technical Cooperation Department of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Ms Starz has fifteen years of experience in the IAEA leading high performing teams and developing solutions to global challenges using nuclear science and technology. Prior to joining the IAEA, Ms Starz worked in the private sector and the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration on nuclear energy, nuclear security and nonproliferation. Ms Starz has extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy, nuclear policy, organizational performance and change management. Ms Starz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and a Master’s degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.


Ms. Birgit Fleurent
Co-Founder, Global Coalition for Radiotherapy (GCR)

Birgit is a global healthcare executive advisor and consultant and a recognized transformational, inspiring healthcare leader with over 35 years of experience across 6 continents. Her expertise includes global strategic, business and marketing leadership, management and execution in the medical device, life science and infectious disease diagnostic industries. She has a recognized ability to bridge private and public sectors so that clinical and scientific data are translated into healthcare provider, policy leader and consumer awareness, adoption and loyalty. Birgit is a member of the leadership team for the Global Coalition for Radiotherapy (GCR) and currently consults for several multinational and non-profit organization clients leading strategic and marketing transformation. As Chief Marketing Officer at Accuray for nearly 7 years, she was an instrumental member of the executive leadership team, with a global team of more than 60 professionals supporting a $400 million radiotherapy business. Prior to Accuray, Birgit worked internationally in both private and public sectors, from small organisations to large multinationals including Haemonetics, Genelabs Diagnostics, the WHO, UNITAID, and DuPont Medical Products. She drives success through motivating people, ensuring diversity, inclusion and employee wellbeing are valued. Birgit is a highly effective communicator fluent in English, German and French, with Swiss and US citizenship.


Dr. Mia Rajalin
Member of the Board, Vision Zero Cancer and Swedish Lung Cancer Association

Mia Rajalin is a lic psychologist, has a PhD in suicidology from University of Umeå, Sweden, and currently holds a position as Director of Studies in Stockholm County Council.

Diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in 2017 she is now advocating for patients with lung cancer.  Mia is a member of the board in The Swedish Lung Cancer Association and a project member of the Vision Zero Cancer Innovation milieu, financed by the Swedish Innovation Agency, Vinnova. She is dedicated to find a way to diagnose lung cancer in an early stage for a better prognosis and engaged in informing the public and GP´s about early symptoms and the aspect that the number of never-smokers with the disease is rising.  Outside the research field and work hours she is a dedicated hockey mom of two goalies.


EU Beating Cancer Plan Event

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming our colleagues and friends from all over Europe to Stockholm the 31st of January. We will discuss how to most effectively join forces to ensure an effective and equitable implementation of the Beating Cancer Plan and the Cancer Mission all over Europe and beyond to reduce the burden of cancer on our societies”

Cancer remains a major scourge on European Society. In 2020, 2.7 million people in the European Union were diagnosed with the condition, and 1.3 million people lost their lives to it.

In February 2021, the European Commission launched Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. Together with the EU Mission Cancer, it represents a concerted effort across Europe to reduce cancer incidence and mortality and improve the quality of life of its citizens. Since its launch, several milestones have been achieved, most recently the adoption of revised EU Council recommendations on cancer screening. Even considering that health is a competence of Member States, the European cancer plan presents the opportunity to work in a coordinated and synergetic way to tackle the burden of the condition, by offering a framework to support Member

States in their own national cancer control plan implementation. It can also help create sufficient critical mass across the EU to create synergies, enable the sharing of best practices and foster greater equity of access to high quality prevention and care across the EU.

The Plenary session and Break-out session 2 will be streaming live between 13:00 – 17:30!

You can download the program here

For Mia, the diagnosis became a drive to make care better

Fourteen. That’s how many times, Mia Rajalin visited primary care before she received the chest X-ray that showed the tumor. And the X-ray referral was sent with hesitation – she was too young and had never smoked a cigarette.

Photographer Petra Kyllerman

The diagnosis became drive and commitment. Mia  wants to work so that no one else suffers from what she, and many others, have gone through. To not receive a diagnos in primary care even though you yourself suspect that you are sick. Mia’s 14 visits occurred over a period of one and a half years. One difficulty in detecting lung cancer, which Mia was diagnosed with, is that the first symptoms are so common. Cough, fatigue, pain. However, visiting primary care so often in such a short period of time, that is not common. 
– I felt dismissed many times. Before this, I had hardly ever sought medical attention.

The whole society would benefit from early detection. People of working age can continue to work, loved ones feel good, children do not have to undergo the trauma of losing a parent to cancer.

Mia believes that there is an acceptance of the low proportion of lung cancer cases detected in stage one and two. You’ve gotten used to it, you see it as a silent cancer. Most often, the care system detects the cancer in stage four when it is not curable. But patients report symptoms long before they are diagnosed.  Many lives can be saved, and early detection would also have other positive effects.
– ­The whole society would benefit from it. People of working age can continue to work, loved ones feel good, children do not have to undergo the trauma of losing a parent to cancer. And the cost of care of course – the new treatments are good, but expensive. If it is possible to operate more in stage one and two, that would be half the cost.

Artificial intelligence could detect whether a patient has sought care several times in a short time. It can help to see changes in the visiting pattern, where the various symptoms altogether can point towards cancer.

At the same time, Mia points out that shortcomings are in the structure and not in competence. To only get 10 minutes per patient, not have time to read medical records, learn that smoking is the only cause. Then, of course, cancer cannot be the first suspicion when a patient comes in and is tired. What is needed is supportive tools. She lists examples used by other countries. As risk assessment tools, screening, and symptom checkers.
– ­It’s pretty simple stuff, which would go pretty quick to put in. I myself filled out a symptom checker  with all the symptoms I had before the diagnosis. The result was that it is something, and it could be these diseases. Lung cancer was on that list.
Mia also talks about the possibilities of digital tools.
– For example, artificial intelligence could detect whether a patient has sought care several times in a short time. It can help to see changes in the visiting pattern, where the various symptoms altogether can point towards cancer.

Vision Zero Cancer can work cross-border and convey conversations without anything being sensitive, where the common goal is what matters. They have a unique position as a spider in the web.

Two of Mia’s engagements are the Lung Cancer Association and Vision Zero Cancer, where she is part of the core team as a patient representative.
– I have a foot in both worlds because I myself work in health care. I can understand the problems of care but also see that the patient’s needs have to be better met. It should not take 14 visits before the detection of lung cancer.  Healthcare needs to be given more time with the patient and systemic support support.

She sees one of the benefits of Vision Zero Cancer as being a neutral forum.
– Vision Zero Cancer can work cross-border and convey conversations without anything being sensitive, where the common goal is what matters. They have a unique position as a spider in the web. They can make sure it’s a collaboration. Because that is what it needs to be.

How do we detect cancer earlier?

The earlier cancer is detected, the greater are the chances of survival. With new systems and knowledge, we can pick up on symptoms earlier and more quickly come to treatment. And get better chances to reach vision zero.

Early Detection and Diagnosis
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“Sweden has to be braver if lung cancer is to be detected early”

The Lung Cancer Association wants to change lung cancer care. Especially in the case of early detection, where many other countries have already introduced tools and methods to support healthcare.  But in Sweden it takes too long, says Karin Liljelund, the association’s vice chairman. And lung cancer does not wait.

Porträtt på Karin Liljelund, vice ordförande i lungcancerföreningen

Karin was diagnosed seven years ago. She went with cough until her children made her go to the medical center. She was lucky to have a doctor who reacted immediately. It turned out that she had a 9 centimeter long tumor in her lung and metastases in her back and legs. The fight against the disease has taken several turns with various medications and treatments. She has chosen to try to make something good out of it. Among other things, by getting involved in the Lung Cancer Association. Their activities range from meeting over a coffee to  support by phone to advocacy. In the advocacy work, there is a lot of focus on early detection.
– 55% of all lung cancers are detected in stage 4 in Sweden. Then it cannot be cured, and the survival rate is 12%. It is a very poor forecast. Early detection is thus incredibly important.

The worst thing that can happen is that it continues to be as it is today. 

Most people who get lung cancer are up to 60 years old. 85% of them are smokers, but today more and more young people who have never smoked are diagnosed with the disease. Here, the development of risk assessment tools can help with early detection. Today, patients are entering specialist care far too late. Research projects take four to five years of discussions before anything happens. Unrelated activities must be carried out in Sweden. Soon.
– Healthcare must dare to try different tools and methods. In Sweden there is a fear of not getting things right and making mistakes. But this is not about making surgical procedures wrong, these are tools for early detection. Tools that can be improved and adjusted gradually. The worst thing that can happen is that it continues to be as it is today. 

A lot of hope of change lies on Vision Zero cancer, that they can catalyze processes that otherwise take too long. The Lung Cancer Association and Zero Vision Cancer share the focus, also in areas other than early detection. Karin welcomes the competence and will of the innovation milieu.
– Vision Zero cancer can work both with long-term research and innovation projects and with quick solutions. And they also think that it is important that things happen, that there will be results. I look forward and hope for it. That we are not sitting here two years later and still just waiting for something to happen. We need to be able to tick off on the To-Do list– now we have done this.

Lung cancer is not the same as death sentence today. It is also important to spread the message of hope.

To detect lung cancer early, Karin believes that it is important to provide information to the public. Young and older – everyone can get lung cancer. You can be an elite athlete who has never smoked but still get sick. If you have had symptoms for a time such as coughing, fatigue and headaches, you must seek care. But there is also a need to inform the public that lung cancer can be cured.
– An incredible amount has happened on the treatment side in recent years. Lung cancer is not the same as death sentence today. It is also important to spread the message of hope.

How do we detect cancer earlier?

The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chances of survival. With new systems and knowledge, we can catch up on symptoms earlier and more quickly come to treatment. And get more chances to reach vision zero.

Early Detection and Diagnosis
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Why we start with lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the cancers where the fewest patients survive. In Sweden, every year, nearly 4,000 people are diagnosed. Almost as many die. Therefore, innovations in cancer control can make a big difference.

Porträtt på Suzanne Håkansson, AstraZeneca

– It is possible to save many lives, says Suzanne Håkansson from AstraZeneca, who is part of the core team for the recently established Swedish innovation milieu Vision Zero Cancer. So we have chosen to focus on lung cancer the first two years, and hope that we can learn a lot.  Which we can then apply to other diseases and cancers.

Suzanne hopes that Vision Zero Cancer within those years has been involved in actions that are solving both minor and larger problems. That the innovation milieu has contributed to a national level of ambition and national cooperation; and of course, created results for the patients.

It is possible to save many lives.

Only 20% of patients diagnosed with the most common form of lung cancer live after five years. The diagnosis often comes too late.

–Lung cancer is often detected as metastases in the brain, in stage four. Before that, the cancer may look like migraines, fatigue, depression. We need to identify the symptoms earlier and faster. That way we can save many lives.

Only 20% of patients diagnosed with the most common form of lung cancer live after five years. The diagnosis often comes too late.
– Lung cancer is often detected as metastases in the brain, in stage four. Before that, the cancer may look like migraines, fatigue, depression. We need to identify the symptoms earlier and faster. That way we can save many lives.

Diagnosis could be faster through screening, or new ways of analyzing the symptoms. However, the most effective way to get fewer people to die from lung cancer is to work proactively – tobacco smoking is behind a large proportion of cases. But everyone already knows it is dangerous to smoke. The cigarettes give something else. Comfort, reward, something to do. You choose to enjoy now and suffer later. Suzanne thinks we need to look more at behavior science.
– How people view risk in the short and long term, where we can learn from other industries. Like retirement savings and insurance. How do they work there?

How people view risk in the short and long term, where we can learn from other industries. Like retirement savings and insurance. How do they work there?

Nollvision Cancer is based on different professions and actors working together for a common vision. That no one should have to die of cancer. Everyone should contribute with their skills and perspectives to find solutions that give the best results for patients, relatives and society. Companies working for early detection. AI that detects symptoms. Technology companies looking to innovate rehabilitation and survivorship.
– It is by talking to each other that we find the medical advances. There are many professions involved in cancer care, all of which play a major role for patients. Collaboration is key. No single actor can do this.

A lot of cancer is preventable

A third of all cancer depend on living habits. This means that one third of all cancers are preventable. And if fewer people get sick, we reduce people’s suffering, increase public health and save society’s resources. The only question is how.

Prevention
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How do we detect cancer earlier?

The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chances of survival. With new systems and knowledge, we can catch up on symptoms earlier and more quickly come to treatment.

Early Detection and Diagnosis
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Vision Zero Cancer brings together actors to improve care

With national cancer care programs, standardized care processes and accessibility initiatives, cancer control in Sweden has come a long way in recent years. Now the focus will be on research and innovation. Among other things, through Vision Zero Cancer.

Porträtt på Hans Hägglund, nationell cancersamordnare

Nollvision cancer ska vara en visionsdriven innovationsmiljö. Men vad innebär det? Hans Hägglund, projektledare, berättar:

Vision Zero Cancer should be a vision-driven innovation milieu. But what does that mean? Professor Dr. Hans Hägglund, National Cancer Coordinator and chairman of Vision Zero Cancer, says:
– Vision Zero Cancer should be platform for integrating research and innovation into healthcare. We want to move from today’s isolated initiatives to greater cooperation, all actors driven by the same vision – to turn cancer into a curable or chronic disease. Together we can create even greater benefit for patients and society.

We want to move from today’s isolated initiatives to greater cooperation, all actors driven by the same vision – to turn cancer into a curable or chronic disease.

Hans Hägglund describes Vision Zero Cancer as a catalyst, where patient, care, academia, industry, and politics come closer together. The innovation milieu wants to sharpen collaboration, not create a parallel system.
– For example, we can bring together projects that are not synchronized, focus on the issue, or fund good ideas and solutions that have not been tested or discussed before.

While it is about getting closer together, Hans looks far ahead. Nationally and internationally. One of Vision Zero Cancer’s goals is that Sweden will become a world leader in prevention, early detection, diagnostics, treatment, and organization for person-centered cancer management. Just as it is about medicines, gene therapy or better diagnostics, it can be about new work processes, registers, and ways of analyzing data. He talks about a system transformation, daring to challenge the existing one.
– Technological development has been rapid. We need to evaluate and reconsider whether the organisational systems that exist are up to date today.

A slightly shorter view ahead is Vision Zero Cancer’s own organization.  Cancer is a tough issue, and it is important to keep up the energy.
– That we keep the passion for system transformation and continue to be engaged. But also to make sure that interest in us does not cool down. We want more actors to join the milieu, and that we get enough funding to continue to innovate care.

It is an issue that should come early – what goals the patient has with life. So that it becomes a meaningful life after a tough treatment.

That no one should get sick with cancer is not so likely. But that no one should have to die of cancer, Hans Hägglund thinks it is attainable. However, this makes one issue even more apparent. To what life do we save the patients?
– The focus has been on treating the patient in the best way and then following up that the patient does not return. Now it becomes all the more important – to return to work, have a social life, eat, drink and feel good. It is an issue that should come early – what goals the patient has with life. So that it becomes a meaningful life after a tough treatment.

This is Vision Zero Cancer

Vision Zero Cancer challenges the prevailing ecosystem and connects new ones. We want to engage the whole community, from the healthy citizen to healthcare, academia, industry, and policy, to benefit patients all over the world.

Who we are
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No one should have to die from cancer

Vision Zero is the long-term goal that no one should die because of cancer. It’s a tough goal, so we have set some milestones and objectives.

How to reach vision zero
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