The National Decade against Stronger together

For the National Decade against Cancer, the Federal Minis- try of Education and Research (BMBF) has teamed up with many partners to launch an unparalleled initiative. It is their shared objective to significantly advance cancer research while working closely with patients to increase their chances of recovery and cure.

It is an ambitious goal indeed and requires us to take joint efforts. This is why the ten-year initiative brings together representatives from politics, cancer research, the research funding system, healthcare, industry and society. They are working to strengthen cancer research in order to

∙ Prevent as many new cases of cancer as possible; ∙ Enhance prevention and early detection; ∙ Enable patients to benefit from research findings more quickly, irrespective of where they live; and ∙ Improve quality of life for cancer patients.

Another aim is to promote a culture of openness to speak about this sensitive topic and encourage more people to take advantage of cancer prevention programmes – after all, one in two people in will develop cancer at some point in their lives. This means that cancer is the second biggest killer in Germany and the most feared disease in our society. Many different partners – one shared goal

The following stakeholders have joined forces under the um- brella of the National Decade against Cancer initiated by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research to create new prospects for both patients and researchers:

∙ The Federal Ministry of Education and Research ∙ The Federal Ministry of Health ∙ The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices ∙ The Ministry of Education, Science and Cultural Affairs of the Land Schleswig-Holstein ∙ The DKFZ German Cancer Research Center ∙ The German Cancer Society ∙ The German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) ∙ The Professional Association of Office-based Hematologists and Oncologists in Germany (BNHO) ∙ German Cancer Aid ∙ The Felix Burda Foundation ∙ The German University Medicine Association ∙ The Cluster for Individualized Immune Intervention (Ci3) e. V. ∙ The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds ∙ The BAG SELBSTHILFE self-help association ∙ The Patvocates Network ∙ Roche Pharma AG

In addition to this, the National Decade against Cancer calls upon all groups of society to join and support the initiative. A joint strategy for central issues

The Strategy Committee of the National Decade against Cancer provides the core input. It defines the key fields of action for the National Decade as well as the related measures. The committee is chaired by Thomas Rachel, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Education and Research, and co-chaired by Professor Michael Baumann, Chairman of the DKFZ German Cancer Research Center.

The aim of the National Decade is to find answers to the following key questions:

∙ How can we prevent people from developing cancer? ∙ What are Germany’s strengths in cancer research? ∙ How can people in cities and rural areas benefit from research findings even more quickly, irrespective of where they live?

With a view to defining the most pressing research needs and launching effective strategies as quickly as possible, the Strategy Committee has established three working groups on the following topics: “Grand challenges in cancer research”, “Prevention” and “Generating knowledge by networking research and healthcare”. Working together to set the course

The working groups are chaired by members of the Strat- egy Committee. Other cancer research experts have been appointed to carry out the tasks of the working groups.

Working group “Grand challenges in cancer research” Chairs: Prof. Michael Hallek/Prof. Michael Baumann This working group is tasked with identifying the most pressing challenges in cancer research and establishing which research questions have the greatest potential. It takes into account the strengths of German cancer research and the potential benefit to patients. The group will draft a work plan to answer these questions and will issue recom- mendations for implementing the work plan.

Working group “Prevention” Chairs: Dr. Christa Maar/Prof. Hermann Brenner This working group is tasked with defining research pri- orities in order to enhance the effectiveness of existing prevention programmes. It will develop strategies and methods for expanding prevention strategies and adapting them to individual risks.

Working group “Generating knowledge by networking research and health care” Chairs: Prof. Olaf Ortmann/Sabine Weiss This working group is tasked with developing a conceptual framework for enhancing reciprocal learning between research and health care. It focusses on the exchange and shared use of data from both fields. This also includes the question of what requirements have to be fulfilled to make this possible.

Further information on the Decade against Cancer: Web: dekade-gegen-krebs.de Twitter: #XgegenKrebs Imprint

Published by The Federal Ministry of Education and Research/ Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) Division PG NDK – Project Group “National Decade Against Cancer” 11055 , Germany

Last updated January 2020

Printed by The Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Layout PRpetuum GmbH, 80801 Munich, Germany

Picture credits Getty Images Title: enjoynz Page 1: Skynesher Page 2-3: Jonathan Pow

This specialized publication of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research is available free of charge. It is not for sale and may not be used by political parties or groups for electoral campaigning.

bmbf.de