Cancer remains a major public health challenge affecting millions of people worldwide, yet many of its causes are preventable and outcomes can be improved with early detection and equitable care. On 4 February 2026, World Cancer Day raises awareness about cancer prevention, encourages timely diagnosis, and highlights the social and economic inequalities that affect survival. The day reminds us that cancer is not just a medical issue, but also impacts individuals, families, and communities. Collective action from governments, health systems, and citizens is crucial to make sure more people can access reliable information, make informed health decisions, and live healthier lives.
Global Health Connector’s strengths in connecting partners, convening discussions, amplifying innovation, and accelerating action position it well to support global cancer initiatives, from awareness and prevention to care, data use, and health‑system strengthening.
Global Health Connector’s innovation team has been involved in different EU-funded initiatives under the scope of the EU Cancer Mission, to improve the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through prevention, cure and for those affected by cancer including their families, to live longer and better.
Improving cancer literacy to improve cancer inequalities
CURTAIN Project is a 3-year initiative co-funded by the EU4Health Programme and coordinated by the Center for Innovation in Medicine – INOMED. By adopting the acronym CURTAIN (Cancer ineqUalities thRough liTerAcy IN Europe), the project highlights the persistent cancer inequalities between Eastern and Western Europe, which are visible today through the lens of the former Iron Curtain.
CURTAIN aims to reduce cancer-related inequalities across Europe by strengthening cancer literacy among citizens, health professionals, policymakers, researchers, and businesses. By fostering collaboration across sectors, CURTAIN shall close the gap in cancer prevention, diagnosis, care, and survivorship. To achieve this, CURTAIN partners will create training programmes, Living Labs, workshops, awareness campaigns and develop innovative digital health resources and tools.
4P-CAN is a Horizon-funded project focusing on improving prevention and early detection through personalised, people-centred, and participatory approaches. A key objective of the project is to strengthen cancer literacy across Eastern European countries, ensuring that citizens, caregivers, and local ecosystems can better understand cancer risks, engage in prevention, and access trustworthy information. By empowering communities and supporting local health and social care actors, 4P-CAN contributes to reducing cancer inequalities across Europe.
In an age when an overwhelming volume of information circulates across digital platforms, improving cancer literacy helps people find, understand, and trust credible health information.
The MAYA Project, a 4-year initiative funded by the Horizon Europe Programme and coordinated by the University of Ioannina.
Late effects of cancer treatment often lead to increased risk of developing cardiovascular health issues for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) cancer survivors. To improve cardiovascular health outcomes, MAYA partners aim to develop the iCARE health hub, a system designed to monitor and manage late-onset cardiovascular health issues and address gaps in care during the transition to post-treatment stages. Additionally, the iCARE hubs will improve health literacy by offering personalised coaching, helping survivors better understand their health condition, promoting independence and self-management.
