Mission CANCER: Defeat cancer

The Cancer Mission of the EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation “Horizon Europe” aims to improve the lives of more than 3 million people in the EU by 2030 through cancer prevention and cure, enabling those affected by cancer, including their families, to live longer and better lives. In doing so, it is tackling one of the major health challenges facing Europe. 

A characteristic feature of a mission is that it focuses on specific objectives related to a particular problem, which are to be achieved through the implementation of effective funding, research, and accompanying measures. The starting point for a system change is therefore the description of the desired effects, which are then targeted along impact pathways. 

For the national implementation of the EU mission “Beating Cancer,” the Austrian Mission Action Group published an action plan that explains the following impact pathways for achieving this mission:

1. Impact pathway – Develop a deeper understanding of the causes of cancer.
2. Impact pathway – Strengthen primary and secondary prevention of cancer.
3. Impact pathway – Maintain and further develop the quality of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
4. Impact pathway – Improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
5. Impact pathway (overarching) – Acquire national and EU funds to support the implementation of the impact pathways.

Within the framework of the five impact pathways, the Austrian Mission Action Group has defined the following goals/priorities for Austria:

• Better understanding cancer: Deepening our understanding of cancer at the molecular level and thereby developing new treatment methods
• Detecting cancer earlier: Improving colorectal cancer screening and early detection of lung cancer in high-risk patients in order to detect and treat diseases of these organs as early as possible
• Optimizing the networking of leading cancer research centers: Promoting collaboration in the areas of care, research, and communication in Austria's highly specialized cancer centers.
• Developing a clinical cancer registry: Creating a clinical cancer registry that covers various oncological areas and takes into account reports and experiences from affected patients.
• Improving long-term aftercare for young cancer survivors: Simplifying the documentation and access to key medical data later in life.
• Advocating for national co-financing programs: The FFG's “Defeating Cancer” working group advocates for Austrian institutions and companies to be able to access European funding.