The European Pain Federation EFIC is pleased to highlight the publication of Next Level EU Cancer Survivorship & Quality-of-Life Policy, a new landmark report from the European Cancer Organisation (ECO). As the first comprehensive EU-wide overview of how countries are supporting people living with and beyond cancer, the paper sheds important light on the persistent challenges faced by survivors—including the significant burden of cancer-related pain.
EFIC was invited to consult on the development of the report, offering expert input on the role of pain in survivorship, current gaps in pain assessment and management, and the urgent need to reduce inequalities across Europe. Our contributions focused on ensuring that pain—one of the most prevalent and impactful long-term symptoms after cancer treatment—is fully recognised as a core quality-of-life issue. EFIC also provided insights on multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial approaches to pain, reflecting our long-standing commitment to improving pain care through education, research, and policy.
The report identifies key barriers to effective survivorship care and proposes concrete actions for EU and national policymakers. Its findings will also inform ECO’s forthcoming European Cancer Survivorship & Quality-of-Life Charter, expected in 2026.
The full report can be found here: https://www.europeancancer.org/images/Resources/Publications/next-level-eu-cancer-survivorship-and-quality-of-life-policy.pdf
