New ECO workstream aims to improve access to cancer care for rural communities
The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) has established a workstream bringing together stakeholders from across the European cancer community and beyond to advance action on rural cancer inequalities. Connect with the workstream and find out more.
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The Rural Health Workstream, part of the ECO’s Inequalities Network, brings together stakeholders to advance research, policy and collaboration aimed at improving access to high-quality cancer care for rural and remote communities across Europe.
People living in rural and remote areas often face significant barriers to accessing cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship care. Shortages of healthcare professionals, longer travel distances, limited availability of services and socio-economic barriers can contribute to inequalities in cancer experiences and outcomes.
The ECO’s Rural Health Workstream focuses on:
- Strengthening collaboration between cancer and rural health communities, including healthcare professionals, patient advocates, policymakers, researchers, health managers, civil society organisations and grassroots organisations;
- Sharing knowledge, experiences and good practices on policies and programmes addressing rural cancer inequalities;
- Expanding the evidence base and identifying priorities for research and action;
- Developing consensus-based policy recommendations to support more equitable cancer prevention, care and outcomes;
- Strengthening connections between rural health and cancer policy agendas at European and national levels.
In addition, the workstream is developing a collaborative platform through which stakeholders can exchange perspectives, contribute expertise and support the development of solutions to address rural cancer inequalities.
Find out more and connect with the workstream.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on health and care and access to services.