EUROPA DONNA´s First MBC Advocacy Training Course

Abstract

Background and context: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in European women and has the highest mortality of any cancer. Although women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are living longer today, in many European countries all their needs and rights to high quality care are not being met. In European countries, MBC services run the gamut from some of the best in the world to services so minimal and basic that most women who present with breast cancer already have MBC. Aim: To impart MBC advocates with the tools and knowledge to initiate and carry out best practice MBC advocacy programmes in their own countries and at the European level. Strategy/Tactics: 1) Provide simple, clear and scientifically sound information to MBC advocates and that ED National Fora can use effectively in their advocacy efforts; 2) Provide a forum in which members from a broad spectrum of European countries learn from one another through the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices; 3) Provide expert presentations on important MBC topics with the ultimate aim of bringing every country to the level of MBC service described in the EU Guidelines, enhancing the public's knowledge of MBC and therefore reducing stigma surrounding the disease. Programme/Policy process: ED will invite MBC advocates from each of our 47 member countries to attend our 1st MBC Advocacy Training Course and all their expenses will be paid. The 2 1/2 day course will involve: Introductions of ED and participants. Scientific Lectures/Advocacy Skills: Experts will cover such topics as treatment of MBC and the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer. Professionals will discuss issues including breast cancer registries and insurance in Europe. ED trainers will share the latest developments from ABC4, the ABC Global Alliance and successful MBC advocacy strategies. A showcase will include MBC related videos and publications. Communication Skills Training Workshops: Three experienced trainers will conduct intensive workshops teaching practical presentation skills and assertiveness techniques. Trainees will be coached individually on handling various situations relevant to MBC advocacy. Participants will role-play to practice these skills. Course materials: A detailed course manual will be developed, distributed and discussed. Follow-up reports will be expected of course attendees to encourage the development of strong and sustainable MBC advocacy programmes. Outcomes: We expect to arm MBC advocates and, through them, ED Fora, with accurate, up-to-date information and proven strategies to lead their countries in advocating for improved MBC services and educating people about MBC. This will lead to improvements in MBC services and public health knowledge, reduce inequalities in MBC services and information provision among European countries, and reduce stigma of the disease at the country- and European-level. What was learned: The course will be held in September 2018.