Healthcare leaders in the french Basque region recently convened a series of public roundtables to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in cancer care, a critical issue as cancer continues to affect communities worldwide[[1]]. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between healthcare facilities and expanding access to both cutting-edge treatments and comprehensive patient support services.These meetings come as the Basque Country continues to demonstrate leadership in cancer screening initiatives[[2]], with approximately 150,000 tumors detected in 2024 alone[[2]].
Healthcare professionals in the Basque region are collaborating to improve cancer care, focusing on both treatment advancements and patient support. The discussion comes as cancer rates continue to impact communities globally, highlighting the importance of accessible and innovative care.
Two recent public roundtables addressed the evolving landscape of cancer care in the Basque region of France. The first panel explored the organization of care delivery, emphasizing coordination between healthcare facilities, preventative measures, screening programs, and the overall patient journey.
Participants included Dr. Sophie Ghek, Head of the Gynecology and Breast Surgery Department; Dr. Alexandre Leroy, Coordinator of Supportive Oncological Care; Jill Godoc, Director of the Basque Country Oncology Center; and Alice Vernhes, Prevention and Development Manager at the Ligue contre le cancer 64. They discussed strategies for optimizing care pathways and ensuring comprehensive support for patients.
High-Tech Advancements
The second roundtable focused on innovative equipment and supportive care options available to cancer patients in the region, and how these resources enhance quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. Advancements in technology are increasingly vital in modern cancer treatment, offering more precise and effective therapies.
Dr. Léna Albert-Dufrois of the Basque Country Oncology Center detailed the center’s offerings, alongside Béatrice Greno, Director of the Ligue contre le cancer 64 committee. Also contributing were Dr. Julie Boussuge-Rozé, Head of the Research and Innovation Medical Coordination Department, and Dr. Thomas Grellety, Head of Medical Oncology and Medical Coordinator at Icance, at the Côte Basque hospital center.
The panels featured a diverse group of cancer specialists actively working in the Basque region, and allowed members of the public to ask questions directly. Florence Perrin, Head of the Public Health Department at the Pyrénées-Atlantiques delegation of the ARS Nouvelle-Aquitaine, also participated, outlining public health policies implemented to support cancer care within the territory.
