Building Bonds for Better Breast Cancer Care: Highlights from the 17th Europa Donna Pan-European Conference
More than 200 advocates from 36 countries, scientists and clinicians, public health experts and policymakers gathered in Paphos, Cyprus, on 22–23 November 2025 for the 17th Europa Donna Pan-European Conference. Under the theme “Building Bonds and Shaping Networks for Tomorrow,” the conference focused on strengthening collaboration and improving access to breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care across Europe.
Europa Donna President Stella Mastora opened the event by welcoming advocates and medical leaders united in advancing breast cancer outcomes. She was joined by the Cyprus Minister for Health Michael Damianos, who highlighted progress in national screening programmes and encouraged attendees to carry new knowledge forward: “May the work that you do here save lives tomorroFormer EU Commissioner for Health and past Europa Donna President Stella Kyriakides delivered a powerful keynote, reminding participants that breast cancer is both a medical and political challenge. She urged advocates to push for the full implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and to continue demanding equal access to screening, modern therapies, specialist care, and survivorship support.
Access and equity were recurring themes throughout the weekend. In a panel on affordable cancer care, DG SANTE’s Sandra Gallina underlined persistent disparities in the availability and affordability of new medicines across EU countries—issues at the heart of ongoing pharmaceutical reforms. Health economist Chris McCabe warned of rising drug prices in Europe and stressed the urgency of collaborative EU-wide solutions.
Scientific workshops addressed “burning topics” in breast cancer, from breakthroughs in treatment and biomarker evolution to advances in radiation, surgery, and metastatic breast cancer care. Experts from leading European centres provided state-of-the-art updates and engaged in lively discussions with attendees
The advocacy sessions focused on turning knowledge into action. Presenters shared strategies for addressing inequalities, creating city-level cancer improvement projects, and developing regional advocacy clusters. Hands-on group workshops encouraged advocates to co-create ideas for more impactful awareness campaigns, stronger support for people living with breast cancer, and improved services for metastatic breast cancer.
Sunday’s programme highlighted Europa Donna’s ongoing campaign to have 15 October recognised as European Breast Health Day. ED CEO Marzia Zambon and MEP Romana Jerković called on advocates to mobilise support to boost participation in mammography screening across Europe.
A session on emotional resilience, led by Stephanie Christodoulidou of ED Cyprus, reminded participants that psychological well-being is essential throughout the breast cancer journey. She emphasised that resilience can be strengthened and shared: “We may not be able to choose the storms we face, but together we can learn how to bend without breaking.”
The conference concluded with presentations of standout national advocacy projects from Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland—ranging from storytelling initiatives and media campaigns to mobile screening awareness units that have catalysed real policy change.
The 17th Pan-European Conference left participants energised, connected, and equipped with new tools to advance breast cancer advocacy at home. As Europa Donna continues its mission across the continent, the bonds built in Paphos will help shape stronger networks—and better outcomes—for women today and tomorrow.
A full report on this conference will be produced for easy access to key advocacy items and messages.
