EuropaColon was launched in 2004 by Jola Gore Booth, who responded to a call to support colorectal cancer patients outside of the United Kingdom. For the next 10 years, the organization grew across Europe and established a reputation for commitment and dedication to the interests and needs of these patients. EuropaColon has now established or partnered with 43 advocacy groups in 32 European countries.

In 2015, recognizing that patients with other digestive cancers were not getting information or the support they needed, the board of EuropaColon decided to expand into these cancers, starting with pancreatic. In that year, the organization took part in early meetings that led to the forming of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC).

EuropaColon strongly supports the work of the Coalition and raising awareness of pancreatic cancer. We see our main contribution as raising awareness of this and other digestive cancers amongst our Affiliate and Associate groups in Europe. Wherever possible, we encourage them to expand into the wider digestive cancers arena and to join the WPCC.

During our Masterclass in June this year, we included for the first time a module on pancreatic cancer. Our speakers presented the latest clinical developments and a session specifically discussed issues from a patient perspective. It was encouraging to see that this led to a number of our groups agreeing to expand their work and embrace pancreatic cancer as part of their strategy.

Working in digestive cancers has proven a most valuable opportunity, giving us the chance to learn from other organizations and to contribute our experience and that of our groups to the mix — all the while watching the drive and enthusiasm from WPCC that proves that mountains can be moved.

For more information, visit www.europacolon.com.