Brussels, April 28th, 2025
In a global landscape marked by shifting alliances, economic turbulence, and competing visions of progress, Europe’s role as a guardian of equitable healthcare has never been more critical. The CAN.HEAL project—a pan-European effort to democratize cancer diagnostics and treatment through genomics—is not merely a scientific endeavor. It is a bold assertion of values in an age where access to cutting-edge medicine risks becoming a privilege reserved for the few.
The Global Context: A Race for Medical Leadership
As nations increasingly prioritize national interests in advancing medical technologies, the risk of fragmented global health systems grows. While some countries invest heavily in biomedical innovation to bolster geopolitical influence, others face systemic challenges in delivering even basic care. In the U.S., for instance, disparities in healthcare access persist, leaving gaps that public-private models alone cannot bridge. Against this backdrop, Europe’s commitment to Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment for All emerges as a counter-narrative—one rooted in solidarity rather than competition.
CAN.HEAL’s achievements—such as harmonizing Molecular Tumor Boards (MTBs) and developing EU-wide Oncology Decision Support Tools—demonstrate that collaboration can outpace fragmentation. By creating GDPR-compliant frameworks for data sharing and fostering cross-border networks like EUNetCCC, the EU is proving that precision medicine need not come at the cost of privacy or equity.
Why Genomics Matters for Europe’s Sovereignty
Genomics is no longer a niche science; it is a cornerstone of 21st-century healthcare. From polygenic risk scores that predict cancer susceptibility to liquid biopsies that revolutionize early detection, these tools hold the key to saving millions of lives. But their true power lies in how they are governed. If monopolized by market forces or siloed within borders, they risk exacerbating inequality. If stewarded as a public good—as CAN.HEAL advocates—they can redefine what it means to deliver “healthcare for all.”
The EU’s ability to set global standards here is unparalleled. Its stringent data protections, emphasis on ethical AI, and investments in initiatives like the 1+Million Genomes Project position it to lead a new era of responsible innovation. CAN.HEAL’s Cluster Roadbook, with its roadmap for integrating genomics into national health systems, is a template for turning this vision into reality.
The Stakes of Inaction
Without urgent action, Europe risks two futures:
- A Balkanized Healthcare Landscape, where Member States adopt incompatible genomic tools, stifling research and leaving patients behind.
- Dependency on External Players, where life-saving technologies are imported under terms that prioritize profit over people.
The rise of AI-driven diagnostics and third-country ambitions in biotech only heighten these risks. CAN.HEAL’s call for EU-wide repositories for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data and training programs for genetic counselors is not just practical—it’s prophylactic.
A Call for Political Courage
To policymakers: The CAN.HEAL model—built on transparency, inclusivity, and long-term thinking—demands your support. Fund the infrastructure to scale MTBs. Embed polygenic risk scores into national prevention strategies. Use the European Health Data Space (EHDS) to break down barriers to data sharing.
This is not about idealism; it’s about pragmatism. With cancer cases projected to rise 24% in the EU by 2035, the cost of inaction—measured in lives and euros—will dwarf today’s investments.
Conclusion: Europe’s Legacy in the Balance
In a world where trust in institutions is eroding and health disparities are widening, CAN.HEAL offers a blueprint for hope. By treating genomics as a common good—not a commodity—Europe can safeguard its citizens, reinforce its global leadership, and honor the promise of its social contract.
The question is not whether the EU can afford to act, but whether it can afford not to.
To access all CAN.HEAL public deliverables and reports, please visit our Zenodo page or check out our website for more.
Below, you can find the PDF of the CAN.HEAL Poster Booklet, followed by the CAN.HEAL Final Meeting Report.
