CANDLE works in the context of two high level political initiatives that guide the European perspective on cancer research and health data: the EU initiatives on Cancer and the European Health Data Space
EU Initiatives on Cancer
Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan
Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan aims to improve the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 by enhancing prevention, early detection, diagnostics, therapeutics, and quality of life.
One hallmark of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan is improving early diagnosis of cancer through screenings, increasing the chance for recovery and rehabilitation. It also includes efforts to ensure equal access to cancer diagnosis and treatment among Member States, as well as better services for cancer survivors. These efforts are supported by scientific evidence and tools generated and gathered by the EU Mission on Cancer.
EU Mission on Cancer
The EU Mission on Cancer works in synergy with the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and links research and innovation policies by:
- Advancing knowledge and evidence to improve the understanding of cancer, its prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and the quality of life of patients.
- Engaging with European citizens, including patients and cancer survivors.
- Establishing national cancer hubs in Member States and Associated Countries.
- Delivering a sound basis and scientific evidence for the overall implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
The UNCAN.eu platform (UNCAN-Connect project) and the European Cancer Patient Digital Centre (ECPDC) (EU-CIP project) are the two major platforms driving the implementation of the Mission – and are important synergies for the EU National Cancer Data Nodes we are building in CANDLE.
eCancer Group
Several specialised working groups operate under the umbrella of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan – most importantly the eCancer Expert Group. With representatives from ministries in all Member States, it provides advice on the implementation of the EU cancer initiatives and their integration into the European Health Data Space (EHDS): the UNCAN.eu platform, ECPDC, National Cancer Data Nodes. In CANDLE, we exchange insights on cancer data at Member State level with the Group.
European Health Data Space
The European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation governs health data use and re-use in the European Union and entered into force in February 2025. It aims to empower individuals through better access to their health data, supporting free movement of health data with people and outlining rules for use of health data for research, innovation and policy making.
Use of cancer data for research is considered secondary use of health data in the EHDS Regulation. The Health Data Access Bodies (Art.55-58) are the entities managing secondary use of health data at Member State level. In CANDLE, we liaise intensely with the Health Data Access Bodies to explore how they can connect with the National Cancer Data Nodes.
