Support a Young Cancer Survivor Quality of Life (QoL) research programme by cancer charities and funding agencies

Expected Outcome: This action supports the follow-up to the July 2023 Communication on EU Missions assessment [1] . The successful proposal under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed and tailored towards and contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Together, a network of registered cancer charities and funding agencies support transnational research and innovation projects on quality of life of children (age range 0-14, age at time of first diagnosis), adolescents (age range 15-19, age at time of first diagnosis) and young adults (age range 20-39, age at time of first diagnosis), cancer patients and survivors using their own financial resources. Projects supported by the network of charities and funding agencies will boost quality of life and long-term outcomes for young cancer patients and survivors, including improved physical, emotional, and social well-being. Researchers, innovators, and professionals from different disciplines and sectors ensure accessibility and re-usability of relevant digital data, to support the future UNCAN.eu research data platform, which is currently in preparation. Scope: Due to significant investments in research and innovation, cancer survival rates in Europe have soared, with more than 12 million survivors, including 500,000 childhood cancer survivors. However, survivors, their families, and caregivers continue to face numerous challenges. Young cancer survivors, in particular, frequently suffer from long-term effects of treatment, including mental health issues like depression and anxiety, chronic pain, fatigue, cardiovascular complications, organ and skin changes, and infertility, all of which severely impact their quality of life. Proposals should address all of the following: Together, registered cancer charities and funding agencies across EU Member States and Associated Countries, organise, fund and implement at least two transnational calls for proposals, resulting in grants to third parties to conduct research and innovation projects targeting quality of life of children (age range 0-14, age at time of first diagnosis), adolescents (age range 15-19, age at time of first diagnosis) and young adults (age range 20-39, age at time of first diagnosis) cancer patients and survivors. Grants should be awarded, not only in order of ranking but also to ensure that all three age groups are addressed. Organise regular networking activities between partners, as well as with representatives of successful projects, patients and patient organisations, citizens and stakeholders across EU Member S…