EBCC-15
Europa Donna is co-organiser of the biennial conference European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC) together with EUSOMA and the EORTC. EBCC is the only breast cancer conference in Europe co-organised by a patient organisation as full partner.
Europa Donna is proud to be part of this unique event—the only breast cancer conference in Europe co-organised by a patient organization as a full partner—which this year took place from 25th through 27th March in Barcelona and brought together 1,450+ participants, 126 speakers and representatives from 81 countries. Below is an overview of the highlights:
One of the most powerful moments of the conference was the Arts & Humanities Award to Stanislava Zeitoun. Her work with OZ Amazonky – Europa Donna Slovakia addresses a fundamental question: how can we build a lifelong habit of breast self-examination without fear? Inspired by traditional pottery, her message is simple and powerful: just as a potter shapes clay, women can use sensitive, mindful touch to understand their own bodies.
Europa Donna organised and hosted three patient advocacy sessions on the following topics:
- AI (with three experts discussing AI in drug discovery and retrospective studies, AI in screening and risk-tailored screening, and the future role of AI-assisted breast cancer treatment)
- risk factors and prevention (with three experts speaking on EU policy in action, inequalities, and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan: from vision to coordinated action into the future)
- breast cancer at every age (with three expert speakers talking on raising awareness among HCPs on breast cancer in younger and elderly populations, and age-specific treatment and communication to both younger and older patients)
Day 3 focused on equity across all ages. Across Europe, screening programmes largely focus on ages 50–69, leaving many patients at a disadvantage. Younger women often face more aggressive cancers, delayed diagnosis, and additional challenges such as fertility, body image and long-term survivorship. Older patients are less frequently screened, often excluded from clinical trials and must navigate complex treatment decisions alongside comorbidities, where quality of life and independence are key.
What clearly emerged: unmet needs persist at both ends of the age spectrum. Personalisation must become the standard, not the exception. The EBCC Manifesto reinforces this vision, calling for stronger multidisciplinary care across Europe. This year’s theme (removing age-related barriers) is a clear call to action: ensuring that age does not determine access to high-quality care. During Europa Donna’s networking lunch, former EU Commissioner Stella Kyriakides shared her thoughts: “What we want to achieve is an end to inequity, bridging the gap and ensuring access to screening for all citizens. We must make sure people have access to innovative care, put survival on the agenda and prioritize lifelong care. This is what we should be committed to doing for breast cancer and for all cancers.”
