Summary

The BE EBCP Mirror Group (MG) is a national cancer stakeholder platform that supports the implementations of European cancer initiatives in Belgium by fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address cancer care and control needs. Despite its successes in engaging over 400 experts and facilitating EU-funded projects, challenges such as limited resources and aligning stakeholder positions remain.

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To tackle the rising burden of cancer, the European Commission has launched two major initiatives: Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) and the Mission on Cancer (MoC). These initiatives are designed to address every stage of the disease starting with the prevention and diagnosis of cancer, the improvement of patient treatment and care, and the enhancement of the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. To complement these European efforts, Belgium has taken proactive steps to ensure that national efforts align with the EBCP and MoC.

A national coordination mechanism has been put in place to address gaps and needs in cancer care and to ensure that both EU funds and national resources are optimally used to improve outcomes for cancer patients in Belgium.

Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke appointed the Cancer Centre of Sciensano to coordinate the implementation of the EBCP in Belgium. The “Be EBCP Mirror Group” (MG), launched in October 2021, is a large-scale national cancer stakeholder platform created to mirror the key areas of the EBCP and MoC. It includes over 400 representatives from federal and regional health agencies, universities, patient organizations, and professional societies, among others.

These TWGs are led by experts from the Cancer Centre of Sciensano, and regular meetings are held throughout the year to engage stakeholders in discussions about cancer care improvements.

The MG adopts a participatory approach, meaning that it involves experts and stakeholders at all levels of cancer care to ensure that policy recommendations are translated into effective, practical interventions.

Since its launch, the BE EBCP Mirror Group has facilitated discussions on over 80 EU cancer projects from 2021 to 2024, aligning Belgium’s national priorities with European initiatives contributing to projects in key areas such as prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, quality of life, and patient engagement, fostering collaboration and advancing cancer care policies.

Enablers: The BE EBCP Mirror Group benefits from government support, with a cabinet mandate and funding provided by RIZIV-INAMI, the National Health and Disability Insurance Agency (Funding). A comprehensive stakeholder mapping conducted at the launch of the MG ensured effective outreach, involving over 400 experts across various sectors of the Belgian cancer field. The MG facilitates Belgium’s participation in the EBCP and MoC via a dynamic process led by Sciensano’s in-house experts, who also moderate discussions within the Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) to ensure quality assurance (Governance). The MG also partners with National Contact Points (NCPs) and National Focal Points (NFPs) to increase Belgian participation in cancer-related EU calls. To increase transparency and streamline BE partner activities, a data sharing agreement with the Federal Public Planning Service Science Policy (BELSPO) was signed, resulting in more precise monitoring of Belgian participation in EU research projects related to cancer. A multimedia communication strategy tailored to different stakeholder groups (via newsletters, websites, podcasts and policy briefs) enhances engagement (Resources). Additionally, feedback loops enable the anticipation of potential implementation issues, and participation in European initiatives, such as the ECHoS project, facilitates cross-border knowledge exchange and strengthens Belgium’s position within the broader European cancer landscape (Service Delivery).

Barriers: Limited resources restrict the group’s ability to participate in all available EU funding opportunities related to cancer, leading to missed opportunities for collaboration and funding (Resources). Additionally, the MG faces difficulties in closely monitoring projects where the Cancer Centre of Sciensano is not directly involved, which limits oversight and coordination (Governance). The reliance on pro bono participation from experts and stakeholders in the Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) further exacerbates challenges, as there is no budget to support the participation of smaller organizations or patient groups (Financing). A national cancer plan could facilitate the coordination of efforts and a structured implementation of cancer-related initiatives. Conflicts of interest, particularly when partners apply for competitive EU grants, may obstruct MG’s monitoring and reporting activities. Furthermore, managing expectations about the MG’s role proves challenging (Service delivery), as it is not a legal entity and cannot directly apply for EU projects.

Lessons learned: The Be EBCP Mirror Group (MG) highlights the value of a participatory approach in cancer care, optimizing resources, fostering coordination, and prioritizing patient-centredness. By engaging experts and strengthening collaboration, the MG improves access to European Commission funding and enhances health system efficiency. Government support and structural sustainability ensure its long-term impact. The MG adapts its structure based on stakeholder feedback, enabling responsive adjustments and activities like benchmarking and strategic foresight. However, aligning the priorities of diverse stakeholders remains challenging, but the MG’s focus on coordination and continuous feedback drives progress in cancer care and policy implementation.