Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women: 38,318 patients are expected to receive a diagnosis in 2026, according to data from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM). Although less common, endometrial cancer also presents challenges, with limited therapeutic options currently available. This year, 7,759 women will be diagnosed with uterine body cancer, 2,760 with cervical cancer, and 3,767 with ovarian cancer.
Significant progress is still needed in women’s cancer care, as research continues to uncover new treatments. Equally important is investing in improved support and psychological care for patients throughout their cancer journey.
Since 2017, the Solidarity Scarf initiative has been driving research into cancers specific to women. The project, a collaboration between Vall d’Hebron and Natura, features designer Clàudia Valsells and is championed by model Judit Mascó. This year’s scarf design embraces a summery aesthetic, departing from previous autumnal tones. It’s also larger in size and more versatile, able to be worn as a neck scarf, a light shoulder wrap, or tied around the waist as a casual pareo.
The lightweight fabric is ideal for warm weather, and the color palette features a radiant yellow accented with delicate pastel shades of blue and green, creating a fresh and balanced look. The scarf is available for purchase at Natura stores and through this link, as well as on the “Solidarity Scarf” website.
More than 42,000 people have joined the chain of solidarity against cancers specific to women by purchasing the scarf for themselves or as gifts. “Each scarf directly funds research, since all proceeds are used to award two grants to young researchers who dedicate their efforts and knowledge to improving the survival and quality of life of patients. This wouldn’t be possible without the people who have grown this chain of solidarity over the years,” explains Sira Franquero, Head of Sponsorship, Strategic Alliances and CSR at Vall d’Hebron.
Valeria Tubita, from the Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), is investigating new treatments for endometrial cancer with overexpression of the HER2 receptor – a condition associated with a poorer prognosis – thanks to a grant from the Solidarity Scarf. Using tumor samples from patients, she creates in vitro models (organoids) to understand the characteristics of each tumor, test therapies, and determine the most appropriate treatment for each individual.
Alejandra Cano, a psycho-oncologist with the Breast Cancer Group at VHIO, also received a Solidarity Scarf grant to study the emotional and cognitive impact of breast cancer on patients. She provides individual psychological support to women at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, and afterward, offering group therapy once they are recovering and resuming their lives.
“At Natura, we are proud to have been collaborating with the Solidarity Scarf since 2017, a 100% solidarity product from which we do not obtain any economic benefit. Every purchase directly contributes to boosting research against women’s cancer, because those who really win are all the people who, thanks to science and the work of researchers, will be able to be cured,” says Sergio Durany, CEO and founder of Natura. The solidarity initiative also stems from a female friendship, between Judit Mascó and Clàudia Valsells, who meet with the Natura and Vall d’Hebron teams each edition to renew the scarf’s design and expand the chain of solidarity with new, updated proposals.
Research is yielding results
After seven editions, the research lines funded by the Solidarity Scarf are beginning to demonstrate promise. “We have generated a biobank of organoids with great potential in precision medicine, as they reproduce the patient’s tumor tissue, and we have initiated the first trials of treatment for endometrial tumors,” explains Valeria Tubita. The project is based on previous preclinical results that showed a complete and sustained tumor response in a high percentage of models treated with the combination SYD985-niraparib. Validating these results in patient-derived organoids will strengthen their translational relevance, reduce the use of animal models, and advance towards more precise oncology.
Psycho-oncologist Alejandra Cano has organized around twenty therapy groups over the past six years for survivors after active treatment, with each group including about ten patients with breast cancer who have received therapy for six months. “At VHIO, we invest the Solidarity Scarf grant in psycho-emotional support for oncology patients, an aspect that is often relegated to the background but is very necessary to improve adherence to treatment, their well-being, and their return to everyday life once the disease has been overcome,” explains Dr. Esther Zamora, medical oncologist at the Breast Unit of Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and researcher at the VHIO Breast Cancer Group. The therapy groups, which are held online, have exceptional attendance and satisfaction rates among participants.
The network of women, in this case the patients who meet in these therapy groups, extends beyond the intervention itself. “My last group of patients, once the three months of therapy were completed, arranged a meeting to get to know each other in person and continue the personal work developed during the intervention. It is common for very meaningful interpersonal relationships to develop for them. The fact that they maintain contact and communication is a very important source of support in the future,” explains Alejandra Cano. She is currently participating in a multicenter study to test an online tool to mitigate the cognitive impairment that can accompany cancer treatment. “A very important turning point that we detect in oncology patients is the moment of returning to work. It hasn’t been long since they received active treatment and many feel that they still suffer aftereffects; we are developing tools of this type to measure adverse psycho-emotional aspects and help alleviate them,” adds Alejandra Cano. The Solidarity Scarf supports research and reminds patients they are not alone in their fight against cancer. A simple gesture helps grow the chain of solidarity.
