The European Cancer Information System reported a staggering 2 742 447 annual cancer diagnoses, resulting in 1 292 600 deaths across the EU in 2022. Without decisive action, more than 3·24 million new cancer cases per year are anticipated by 2040, posing a substantial challenge to public health and affecting long-term quality of life. In response, the EU has enacted Mission: Cancer1 and Europe’s Beating Cancer plan,2 fostering collaboration to deepen our understanding of cancer, promote early diagnosis, optimise treatment, and enhance the wellbeing of patients and their families throughout and beyond the course of treatment.