Vital information on sources of support available in different countries

New cancer information resources for patients and physicians in Ukraine and countries receiving refugees has been made available by European and American cancer organisations – as part of an effort to help address the challenges currently being faced by Ukrainian cancer patients and those treating and supporting them.

The information, written in Ukrainian and the language of countries where migrants may be arriving, provides details about healthcare in that country, sources of support, rights and patient groups. Produced in association with the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) it is available through the European Cancer Organisation (ECO). The information covers Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Portugal.

This is one of a series of initiatives by ECO and ASCO in response to the Ukraine emergency. The two organisations have formed a Special Network on the Impact of the War in Ukraine on Cancer involving 300 other groups around the world. With the help of this network, they have set up the onco-help.org resource, containing the multilingual materials designed to signpost Ukrainian cancer patients and healthcare professionals to oncology and healthcare information.

Patient organisations have a key role in guiding Ukrainian cancer patients, said Kathy Oliver, Co-Chair of the ECO Patient Advisory Committee. “As patient advocates, we are extremely moved, inspired and energised by the courage, determination and dignity which has been shown by so many who are caught up in these tumultuous times.”