Cancer concerns us all in various ways, and patients with haematological malignancies, which are cancers that originate in the blood-forming tissue, face specific challenges. According to the European Commission, in 2020 alone, 2.7 million individuals in the European Union received a cancer diagnosis, and 1.3 million lives were lost to the disease. For patients with haematological malignancies, expert treatment is crucial due to the unique nature of their diagnosis.

In 2021, recognising the need for comprehensive cancer care, the European Union introduced the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, aiming to address the entire cancer pathway. This plan aims to tackle the challenges faced by patients with haematological malignancies, among others, through its four primary areas of action: prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and improving the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.

To address the specific needs of patients with haematological malignancies, the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan includes flagship initiatives. One of them (Flagship 5) aims to establish an EU Network by 2025, connecting recognised National Comprehensive Cancer Centres in every Member State. These centres have the potential to significantly enhance the assistance provided to cancer patients by facilitating the adoption of quality-assured diagnosis and treatment approaches and promoting collaboration across borders. By fostering the establishment of these specialised centres, the plan strives to improve the standard of care received by patients with haematological malignancies and reduce healthcare disparities that may exist across Member States.

Relisten to Euractiv's Hybrid Conference to discuss the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and how the quality of cancer care for patients with haematological malignancies can be improved. Questions to be discussed include:

- What are the challenges faced by patients with hematological malignancies and how is the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan addressing them?
- Due to the nature of hematological diseases there are no specific screening/preventive mechanisms in place. What policies are needed to improve care of hematological diseases in the EU and in Member States?
- What is the role of stakeholders to close the gap for proper diagnosis and access to adequate and timely treatments?