The European Commission and the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) have launched the project “Exploratory study on the provision of care for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer patients in the Union” (HaDEA/2024/OP/0027). This is a comprehensive study covering all 27 EU Member States, as well as Iceland and Norway, with the aim of analysing existing models of care for adolescents and young adults with cancer and identifying key challenges, needs, and best practices.

The project forms part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the Horizon Europe Cancer Mission and is focused on improving the quality of life of young oncology patients. Particular attention is given to topics such as psychosocial support, education, employment, fertility, and other specific needs of the AYA population.

Within the framework of this project, Assoc. Prof. Lovorka Brajković, PhD, is participating as the sole representative of the Republic of Croatia in consultations, interviews, and the collection of data on national practices and challenges in the field of AYA patient care. This work will result in the development of a European indicator database, which will serve as a basis for formulating recommendations to Member States and for improving health policies.

The study is being conducted by a consortium consisting of ICF, Spark Legal and Policy Consulting, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, and Timelex, and the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.