BEACON

BEACON - Cancer Care Beacon - Reducing Disparities Across the European Union

Disparities in cancer care have a big impact on survival rates, as well as on the quality of life and mental health of patients and their families.

Income, education, location and ethnicity are some of the most important factors affecting quality of care in Europe. Healthcare costs, treatment options, integration of research and innovation into care and access to information and multidisciplinary care teams are other areas to target in addressing disparities.

To facilitate delivery of higher-quality cancer care, BEACON aims to identify the reasons for and reduce disparities in care across Europe.

Specifically, it will:

• map and increase the capacity and capabilities of cancer treatment centres in EU Member States;
• help patients to find the best treatment options, healthcare providers to share resources and expertise, researchers to share data on disparities, and policymakers to align funding with patients' priorities;
• improve training and ensure that accreditation of care providers reflects quality of care.