Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN) actively participates in EU-funded development projects that promote cancer care, research, and innovation in Finland. Participation in these projects allows for the utilization of international expertise and practices, expansion of research and development cooperation, and the development of new operational models to support cancer care.

Below is a brief summary of the ongoing and upcoming EU development projects at FICAN. In addition, FICAN is involved in various project call preparations. The website is regularly updated.

Establishing of Cancer Mission Hubs: Networks and Synergies (ECHoS) project aims to support member states in the implementation of the EU Beating Cancer Plan and the Cancer Mission. With the support of the ECHoS project, a national network of cancer stakeholders, the National Cancer Mission Hub, will be established in each country. This hub will bring together professionals in cancer care and research, authorities, patients, patient organizations, company representatives, and other stakeholders. The ECHoS project, funded by Horizon Europe, involves 60 organizations from 30 European countries. The Finnish partners in the project are FICAN and the Cancer Society of Finland.

Contact person: Mirjami Tran Minh, etunimi.sukunimi@hus.fi

The Joint Action on Networks of Expertise (JANE 2) is part of the EU4Health program. The project aims to create new expert networks to improve the treatment of cancers with poor prognosis, develop palliative care, advance personalized cancer prevention, enhance the situation of cancer survivors, and promote the use of the latest technology. The JANE 2 project will start in the fall of 2024, with all FICAN units participating.

Contact person: Outi Nikunen, etunimi.sukunimi@hus.fi

Personalized Cancer Medicine (PCM) Joint Action goal to expand access to personalized cancer medicine in EU member states. The project focuses on developing national guidelines and protocols for cancer diagnosis and treatment. It also aims to promote collaboration and information sharing among EU countries. The Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health appointed the Finnish partners for the project in the summer of 2024, and the application for the 27.9 million euro inter-state project will be submitted by the end of 2024. The project is set to start at the end of 2025.

Contact person: Katriina Jalkanen, etunimi.sukunimi@hus.fi