DATA-CAN professor to have leadership role in European cancer effort against COVID-19

DATA-CAN’s Scientific Director, Professor Mark Lawler, will co-chair the European Cancer Organisation’s new Special Network on the impact of COVID-19 on cancer. Professor Lawler, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Digital Health at Queen’s University Belfast, will lead this important initiative with Dr Mirjam Crul – Vice-President of the European Society of Oncology Pharmacy.

It is becoming clear that the COVID-19 emergency is not only causing suffering and death as a direct result of the virus itself, but it is also leading to significant excess deaths in other diseases, including cancer.

As the largest multi-professional cancer organisation in Europe, the European Cancer Organisation has established the Special Network to add strength to the evidence base of the adverse effects of COVID-19 on cancer care across Europe, as well as make recommendations to key decision-makers to help create a more resilient future.

Prof Mark Lawler said, “COVID-19 does not respect national borders so it is important that collectively as Europeans we address the universal challenge that we face and develop sustainable solutions that protect and benefit the European cancer patient. This Special Network represents a significant opportunity to stop Cancer becoming the Forgotten C in the battle against COVID-19.”