As recognized by both the WHO and the European Commission, approximately 4 in 10 cancer cases are preventable, with lifestyle-related factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption playing a significant role. These preventable cancers are linked to specific risk behaviours that often begin during adolescence, making this a critical period for intervention. Investing in primary prevention is not only vital for improving public health but also offers a cost-effective use of health resources by reducing the future burden of cancer on patients, families, and healthcare systems.

To achieve effective cancer prevention, sustained political commitment and comprehensive policies are essential. These policies must target the entire population, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity regardless of socioeconomic status or geographical location. There is an urgent need for concrete strategies that address modifiable lifestyle factors, alongside evidence-based preventive interventions such as health education, community engagement, and support programs that promote healthy behaviours.

The SUNRISE project embodies this commitment to innovative cancer prevention by co-creating a digitally enhanced life-skills program aimed at fostering sustainable health behaviour changes in adolescents. By integrating established digital solutions for smoking prevention with novel intervention approaches—including peer-led social media campaigns, advertising literacy training, educational games, and social robotics—SUNRISE aims to empower young people across Europe to adopt healthier lifestyles. Through collaboration with educators, parents, public health experts, and policymakers, SUNRISE will develop tailored policy recommendations that address the disparities in access to preventive healthcare, ensuring that these initiatives reach all adolescents effectively.

SPEAKERS

MEP Vlad Voiculescu (RE, Romania)

Dr. Delia Nicoară – Public Health and Project Manager at the Oncology Institute

Dr. Andreas Triantafyllidis – Research Scientist at the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas

Marc Van den Bulcke – Head of service, Belgian Cancer Centre, Sciensano (TBC)

Joost Wesseling – Executive Director at the European Nutrition for Health Alliance (ENHA) (TBC)

Moderator:

Dr. Adela Maghear – Senior Policy Advisor on Health

KEY TOPICS

• Identify Unmet Needs: Assess the specific gaps in cancer prevention for adolescents.
• Address Implementation Challenges: Analyse obstacles to effectively enacting cancer prevention policies.
• Examine Inequalities: Explore disparities in cancer prevention and their effects on overall care quality.
• Promote Actionable Solutions: Present concrete policy recommendations and highlight the SUNRISE project as a model for youth engagement.

For registration and further information poease contact: nina.nicoara@outlook.com