Last 11th June 2025, our Secretary General, Ms Ilaria Giannico, joined a panel discussion on the evolving role of private hospitals and private insurance in cancer care, in the framework of the 10th annual World Cancer Series Europe organised in Brussels by The Economist.
Here’s some of the key messages she delivered: collaboration across sectors is essential to delivering more equitable, effective, and patient-centered cancer care. Private hospitals are key partners in the fight against cancer, delivering innovative solutions and high-quality treatments.
However, they face several structural, legal, financial, and clinical challenges that can limit their ability to treat cancer patients as comprehensively as public hospitals. Private providers are collaborators in a shared mission: to deliver timely, high-quality, and compassionate cancer care – regardless of background, geography, or income.
The summit convened over 80 speakers across more than 30 panel sessions, interviews, presentations and case studies over two days. This year’s event focused on inclusive access to care, a renewed commitment to patient care and better outcomes for all.
The first day of the programme began with plenary sessions focusing on progress from the last decade, current priorities and the road ahead, emphasising the need for data-driven insights and solutions for cancer-control. The two tracks covered specific cancers and AI and digital applications, with sessions discussing women’s cancers, prostate cancer, how digital technologies are supporting cancer healthcare systems and launching the “innovation showcase” presentations. The second day of the programme began with plenary sessions discussing incremental innovations, the role of private-sector insurance, antimicrobial resistance and patient experiences. The track sessions focused on diagnostics and treatments, funding cancer care, equity and inclusivity and the future of patient advocacy.
We thank The Economist for the kind invitation for such a thoughtful and engaging conversation. We look forward to the next edition!
