Spotlight on Cancer Patients Europe (CPE): A Crucial Voice in the OncoProTools Network

Cancer Patients Europe (CPE) is a pan-European organisation dedicated to representing and empowering cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. Established in Belgium in March 2022, CPE has rapidly expanded to include 66 members across 27 countries including United States, Canada and South Africa (As of April 2025). With a strong and rising presence, CPE serves as a united voice for the cancer community, advocating to influence policy and practice in cancer care, prevention, treatment, and survivorship.

CPE was born out of a clear need: A transparent and credible Europe-wide organisation with balanced representation from all corners of the continent. CPE’s mission is to make sure that the voices of cancer patients and survivors are not only heard but also included in decision-making at both national and European levels. Its vision is to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families, health systems, and society as a whole.

Within the OncoProTools network and project, CPE plays a crucial role as an associated partner, by contributing to five key areas:

  1. Training for our doctoral candidates on how to effectively engage with patients, cancer care community, and policymakers.
  2. Dissemination of project results in accessible, patient-friendly language to raise awareness among general audiences.
  3. Enabling the engagement of OncoProTools researchers in drafting white papers and participating in events.
  4. Representation on the Strategic Advisory Board, helping guide the project’s direction.
  5. Bridging the gap between research and real-world patient needs through patient feedback.​

Building on their expertise in communication and outreach, CPE will ensure that the scientific findings and innovations of OncoProTools extend beyond the lab and research community to reach those who matter most. To support this goal, CPE will host a workshop titled “Communicating Scientific Knowledge and Research Results to Patients and Policymakers in an Accessible Way”, complemented by practical assignments for the OncoProTools research fellows.

Thanks to the involvement of Cancer Patients Europe, the OncoProTools network remains connected to the perspectives and priorities of the cancer community, making sure that innovation and impact go hand in hand.

Learn more about Cancer Patients Europe: https://cancerpatientseurope.org/