More than one hundred people linked to FECEC Junts Contra el Càncer attended the event reviewing this quarter century of work to improve the quality of life of people with cancer and their families, as well as to advance their rights.

Hosted by journalist Cristina Puig, the event was attended by the Secretary General of Drets Socials i Inclusió, Raúl Moreno; the Secretary for Healthcare and Participation of the Departament de Salut, Gloria Gálvez; Sonia Fuertes, Commissioner for Social Action at the Ajuntament de Barcelona; and Samuel Núñez, Deputy for Comerç, Consum i Salut Pública de la Diputació de Barcelona. The four authorities congratulated and thanked FECEC for the work carried out over the past 25 years. They also emphasized the importance of prevention and the essential role of volunteers from member organizations in supporting people going through an oncological process. Likewise, they highlighted the commitment of the participating administrations to continue providing more humane and comprehensive care for people with cancer and improving their quality of life.

The authorities attending the event

Afterwards, the manager of FECEC Junts Contra el Càncer, Clara Rosàs, reviewed these 25 years, making a special mention in memory of the honorary presidents of the organization, Carles Carcolé, Josep Morell and Dr. Ramon M.ª Miralles. In this overview of the achievements reached, there was also room to highlight the organization’s particular impact on two key aspects of the post-cancer stage: the gradual return to work and the right to oncological oblivion.

The manager of FECEC, Clara Rosàs, and the host of the event, Cristina Puig

Next, a video was shown reviewing some of the most important moments in the 25-year history of the Federation.

Following this, the round table Challenges in Oncology Care took place, with the participation of Dr. Josep Maria Borràs, director of the Pla Director d’Oncologia of the Departament de Salut, Dr. Joan Brunet, Director General of the Institut Català d’Oncologia (ICO), and the vice-president of FECEC, Anna Varderi.

Prevention was one of the key points highlighted by Dr. Borràs, both regarding the need to follow healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of developing cancer and the importance of participating in early detection programs. Dr. Brunet highlighted advances in treatments such as precision oncology and immunotherapy achieved in recent years thanks to research. Regarding psychosocial care, Varderi emphasized the need to integrate the role of organizations within the health system in order to work together.

Drs. Josep Maria Borràs and Joan Brunet, and Anna Varderi, at the round table

Next, it was the turn of the member organizations, represented by Agustina Sirgo, president of the Lliga contra el Càncer de les Comarques de Tarragona i les Terres de l’Ebre, and Joan Torner, president of Amics Joan Petit Nens amb Càncer. These organizations are the first and the most recent to join FECEC. Both presidents emphasized the importance of psychosocial support for both adults and children with cancer and their families through social organizations.

In the closing of the event, led by the president Maria Assumpció Vilà, thanks were given for the support received over this quarter century from member organizations, administrations and collaborators, and the incorporation of a new organization into the Federació Catalana d’Entitats contra el Càncer was announced: Cims contra el Càncer. This association, which promotes physical exercise among people undergoing cancer treatment or in post-treatment stages, is now the 17th member organization of FECEC.

The president of FECEC, Maria Assumpció Vilà.

The celebration featured performances by singer Aina Rabassa and guitarist Juan Murúa, who performed two very emotional covers: Vestida de Nit, by Sílvia Pérez Cruz, and Compta amb mi, by the group Txarango.

Aina Rabassa, vocals, and Juan Múrua, guitar.

FECEC would like to thank everyone who attended the event and the collaborators who made it possible: the Departments of Drets Socials i Inclusió and Salut of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Diputació de Barcelona, MSD and Pierre Fabre. Here’s to many more years Together Against Cancer!

Photos: Jordi Borràs and Sandra Roman

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FECEC Junts contra el Càncer was established on 13 February 2001. The organization was founded with the mission of **bringing together efforts in the fight against oncological diseases in Catalunya**. It serves as an information hub and provides support to federated cancer organizations, while also promoting volunteering in the oncology field, developing programs in the areas of awareness and prevention, and after-cancer care.

During 2026, we will be reviewing the main milestones achieved over this quarter of a century and celebrating everything that has been accomplished, while keeping our focus on the future and all that remains to be done to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families.

We invite you to celebrate with us these 25 years Together Against Cancer.

This celebration is supported by the Departaments de Salut i de Drets Socials i Inclusió de la Generalitat de Catalunya, the Diputació de Barcelona, and the laboratories MSD and Pierre Fabre.

La entrada Let’s celebrate 25 years Together Against Cancer se publicó primero en Junts contra el càncer - FECEC.

The need to expand the age groups for breast and colorectal cancers

Two of the most common types of cancer in Catalonia, colorectal and breast cancer, can be detected early through the screening programmes available in the public healthcare system. These programmes are aimed at the population aged between 50 and 69 years. Their goal is to detect precancerous lesions or tumours at an early stage, demonstrating that early detection facilitates treatment and increases the chances of cure.

In recent years, however, the appearance of breast and colorectal cancer cases in younger people and in those over 69 has highlighted the need to expand these age groups. In this regard, the European Commission recommends extending colorectal cancer screening up to 74 years and, for breast cancer, expanding it from 45 to 74 years.

The Advisory Screening Committee of the Oncology Master Plan, the Advisory Committee of the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Programme, and the Breast Cancer Early Detection Programme all issued favourable opinions on the age expansion recommended by the European Commission. Likewise, the Interterritorial Health Council, which includes the Ministry of Health and the health departments of the autonomous communities, approved last November the extension of colorectal cancer screening up to 74 years. However, the Generalitat’s Department of Health initially announced a budget shortfall that led to the freezing of the rollout of these plans and later stated that implementation would need to be gradual and dependent on the availability of specialised professionals to carry out the tests. The department has not specified any possible timeline for the expansion.

In this context, the Catalan Federation Againts Cancer (FECEC) wishes to express its concern about this situation. For this reason, it urges the Government of the Generalitat of Catalonia to allocate, as soon as possible, the financial and professional resources necessary to expand the age groups of the screening programmes, in line with European recommendations and the national agreement. Likewise, it calls for a clear implementation timeline to be established. Furthermore, FECEC calls on all political forces to get involved to ensure the availability of the resources needed to carry out this expansion.

As FECEC’s president, Maria Assumpció Vilà, comments: “It is well established that early detection programmes save lives. Screening tests for the most common cancers—colon cancer in both men and women, and breast cancer, the most frequent in women—can detect tumours at an early stage. These diagnoses save lives and improve patients’ quality of life. That is why, in light of the increase in breast cancer cases among women under 50, and colorectal cancer in young people and those over 69, it is essential to expand the age ranges both below and beyond the currently established limits.”

‘United by Unique’, UICC’s campaign

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is launching its World Cancer Day campaign for the second consecutive year under the slogan “United by Unique”, which aims to place people at the centre of care and their stories at the centre of the conversation.

This year, FECEC is collaborating by contributing five testimonials from individuals who shared their experiences with the disease throughout 2025. Víctor Cruz, Isabel Zafra, Cristina Mangas, Santi Grau and Maria Dolors Canals have told us their stories, available on the World Cancer Day website and on FECEC’s social media channels.

Share your story

If you are an oncology patient or have lived with cancer, you can share your story and become part of the campaign by submitting your text, video or artwork on the World Cancer Day website via this link.

Likewise, to get even more involved, you can share the campaign materials and messages on your social media channels using the hashtags #UnitedbyUnique and #WorldCancerDay.

Cancer figures 2025 in Catalonia

Coinciding with 4 February, World Cancer Day, the latest cancer figures for Catalonia have been released. Cancer incidence in 2025 reached 43,633 new diagnoses, 24,482 in men and 19,151 in women. These figures represent a 1.8% increase compared to 2024, when the number of cases stood at 42,851. The 5-year relative survival rate has remained stable, being higher in women (66.2%) than in men (54.2%).

Read more

SEOM’s Cancer in figures in Spain 2026

The number of cancers diagnosed in our country during 2026 is expected to reach 301,884 cases, representing a slight increase of 2% compared to 2025, with 296,103 cases, according to the report Las cifras del cáncer en España 2026, prepared by the Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica (SEOM) and the Red Española de Registros de Cáncer (REDECAN). Read more

Activities of FECEC’s member organisations

FECEC’s member organisations are preparing these days to celebrate World Cancer Day. To this end, they are organising a series of activities, which we share with you in this link.

La entrada World Cancer Day 2026: FECEC urges the government to expand the age groups for breast and colorectal cancer screening se publicó primero en Junts contra el càncer - FECEC.

Goal #menjasaimoute25: healthy eating is not expensive

Among the population of our country, there is still a belief that following a healthy diet is not economical. However, various studies indicate that spending a lot of money to eat healthily can be avoided by following a series of basic tips. For example, choosing seasonal and local products; buying items in bulk instead of pre-packaged; avoiding pre-cooked foods; planning meals before shopping; looking for offers and comparing prices; and freezing products that will be consumed later, among other recommendations.

Specifically, the 14th edition of the SECAPC focuses on debunking this belief and providing the general public with tips and recommendations on how to shop for healthy foods without overspending and while avoiding food waste.

The European Code Against Cancer, in its 5th point, emphasizes the importance of following a balanced diet (rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals, and legumes, and low in sugars, fats, and processed foods) to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Likewise, the 4th point of the European Code Against Cancer emphasizes that physical activity, regardless of body weight, reduces the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer and, among women, breast and endometrial cancers, which are among the most common in Europe.

It is estimated that, among Europeans, those who follow a healthy lifestyle according to cancer prevention recommendations have an 18% lower risk of developing cancer compared to those who do not follow these recommendations regarding lifestyle and body weight.

Activities of the 14th SECAPC

The #menjasaimoute25 campaign combines a series of in-person activities and online tips from September 26 to October 3. These are the activities of the XIV edition:

• Workshops “Healthy eating at the best price”:
  Organized together with the federated entities, they will take place in different towns across Catalonia. The workshops are led by certified nutritionists and dietitians and will cover how to create healthy diets at an economical cost; how to make a healthy shopping list; menu planning based on that shopping; which foods are essential and which are not; how to cook effectively; and how to avoid food waste.
  
  
  
  
• Social media campaign with healthy eating and physical activity tips:
  From FECEC’s social media channels, a series of basic tips will be shared with families to eat healthily at the best price. Likewise, recommendations for engaging in regular physical activity to reduce the risk of cancer will also be shared. These tips are provided in collaboration with the Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (ASPCAT).
  

• ‘L’Hort d’en Marçal’, healthy fruit for children:
  The children’s activity “L’Hort d’en Marçal” will reach around 60 Catalan schools to encourage children aged 5 to 7 to eat fruit. Through a video and educational materials, approximately 2,100 children will learn in the classroom about the properties of fruit and will prepare a skewer with 5 different types of fruit, which they will then taste. The goal is to help them develop a healthy eating habit that will accompany them throughout their lives. A team of FECEC volunteers will collaborate in these activities, which are supported by Supermercats Caprabo, responsible for donating the fruit for the workshops.
  

Apart from Caprabo, the SECAPC, which carries the annual slogan “Menja sa i mou-te,” is supported by the Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya, the Diputació de Barcelona, Dipsalut de la Diputació de Girona, the Diputació de Lleida, the Ajuntament de Barcelona, and La Xarxa.

La entrada How to eat healthy at the best price, the focus of the XIV Setmana Catalana de la Prevenció del Càncer (SECAPC) se publicó primero en Junts contra el càncer - FECEC.

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The gathering serves to thank the work of the nearly 5,200 volunteers from the member organizations who selflessly dedicate their time to improving the quality of life of people with cancer and their families; to recognize their importance as a key pillar in the psychosocial care of cancer patients, their families, and caregivers, alongside professionals from the organizations; and as a space to strengthen the bond and sense of belonging among oncology volunteers.

The positive impact of supporting people with cancer on volunteers

Under the theme “Volunteering, a Source of Gratitude”, the Gathering aimed to reflect on this feeling understood as a two-way experience, not only from the patient toward the volunteer. In this regard, various experiences were shared by people who currently dedicate their time to oncology volunteering out of a sense of gratitude. Furthermore, the event explored the scientific explanation behind this drive—that is, the positive impact on the brain and body when time is selflessly dedicated to improving the quality of life of cancer patients and their families.

The president of the Catalan Federation Against Cancer, Maria Assumpció Vilà, emphasized that “many of the volunteers who support people with cancer and their families often tell us that they receive much more than they give. That’s why this year we wanted to address this aspect and help attendees understand why they feel so grateful for their selfless work.”

At the opening of the event, hosted by 3Cat journalist Ignasi Gaya, speeches were also given by the Deputy Director General for Coordination and Participation in Salut of Generalitat de Catalunya, Marta Belmonte Serra; and the Deputy for Trade, Consumer Affairs and Public Health of the Diputació de Barcelona, Samuel Núñez i Amela, both of whom highlighted the vital work carried out by volunteers in improving the lives of people with cancer and their families, as well as their role as a cornerstone within the organizations.

Next, four inspirational talks took place, delving into gratitude as the driving force behind volunteer work. Volunteers Dúnia Falgueras Martínez from Fundació Oncolliga; Glòria Gonzalez and Olga Pau from the Fundació Enriqueta Villavecchia; and Imma Bellatriu, president of the Blanes delegation and board member of Fundació Oncolliga Girona, shared their moving personal experiences and the gratitude they feel when dedicating time to supporting oncology patients.

Among them all, the talk by neuropsychologist and psychotherapist Maria Garau stood out, as she explained how the brain and body respond to pleasant experiences. “When neurotransmitters generate dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, we become attached to positive behavior. That’s why we receive in the same way that we give,” Garau highlighted in her talk I Receive More Than I Give: The Altruistic Brain, in which she also emphasized that volunteering requires full attention, honesty, and an understanding of what need the volunteer is fulfilling.

The attendees of the Gathering later took part in workshops led by the organization El Despertador, aimed at reflecting on the value and meaning of their work.

This year’s closing ceremony was led by Gospel Soul, a choir founded in 2012 in Barcelona, which performed a selection of classic and contemporary gospel songs.

La entrada Volunteers in the field of oncology reflect on the deep sense of gratitude they experience as a result of their commitment and service se publicó primero en Junts contra el càncer - FECEC.

In the segment for the organizations, Neus Cols, a member of the Board of Directors of the FECEC Junts contra el Càncer and president of the Associació Catalana d’Ostomitzats (ACO), and Pau Berber, from the Associació Contra el Càncer a Barcelona, spoke about the program from the patient’s perspective and emphasized the need for greater transparency in the data, the urgent need to increase participation, and the extension of the program up to age 74, instead of the current limit of 69.

The closing remarks were also delivered by representatives of patient organizations, M. Assumpció Vilà, president of the FECEC, and Laureano Molins, president of the ACC. Both committed to continuing their work and supporting the administrations and professionals involved in the program. The event was concluded by Dr. Josep Maria Borràs, director of the Pla director d’oncologia, who thanked the participants for their contributions to this necessary event.

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A total of 66,000 bags of peppers were distributed across more than 700 **Condis** stores throughout Catalonia. With a symbolic contribution of 2 euros, each customer has done their part to support people with cancer, their families, and caregivers through the psychosocial care programs and services of the **FECEC** organizations.

Volunteers are an essential part of this campaign, as their selfless work helps spread awareness, ensuring that **Condis** customers learn about the mission of **FECEC** and its affiliated organizations.

This year, 470 of the volunteers were ESO students from the Community Service course. In the case of the Fundació Oncolliga, for example, this initiative is part of Encomana Salut, an educational program aimed at 3rd and 4th-year ESO students that provides all the necessary materials for schools to develop a **Service-Learning** program focused on promoting healthy habits and cancer prevention.

The **FECEC Junts contra el Càncer** also thanks the customers who visited the supermarkets over these three days to make their generous contributions to the campaign. To each and every one of you, thank you very much!

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The event aimed to raise societal awareness about the difficulties faced by people who have overcome or managed cancer as a chronic condition; to provide patients with updated and useful information about this new stage; and to identify the needs of this group, as well as those of their caregivers.

This event was part of the Després del Càncer program by FECEC Junts contra el Càncer, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, and which includes information and awareness-raising activities, among others, to improve the quality of life for people once they have overcome the disease.

The 3rd edition was hosted by the Communications Manager of Vilassar de Dalt contra el Càncer, Manel Brun, and inaugurated by the president of FECEC Junts contra el Càncer, Maria Assumpció Vilà, and the Secretary of Healthcare and Participation of the Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Gloria Gálvez. Vilà emphasized the significance of this 3rd edition, which was used to give a voice to patients in order to understand their difficulties and needs after treatments, as was evident in the last edition. Gálvez, for her part, called for empathy and the involvement of all of society to support people who overcome cancer. She also highlighted that the Generalitat de Catalunya is working to provide comprehensive care to this group and to chronic patients.

The event addressed these and other aspects through expert talks, experience-sharing groups, and live music. In this regard, in the Perspectives section, the insights of six experts were featured, addressing different aspects of the stage that begins once the disease is overcome, depending on whether it affects chronic patients, adolescents and young people, adults, or caregivers. The various professionals who contributed their expertise were Mariona Vilaclara, a psycho-oncologist from the Consorci Hospitalari de Vic, who spoke about the psychological aspects of living with chronic cancer; Eduardo Brignani, a psychologist and psychotherapist specialized in family, disability, and rare diseases, Marc Sánchez, a social worker, and Estela López, a neuropsychologist from AFANOC and the Pediatric Oncohematology Service of Hospital Vall d’Hebron, who addressed care for young people and adolescents with cancer; Alicia Noguera, a case management nurse from Hospital del Mar, who discussed the return to everyday life; and Assumpta Soler, coordinator of the Care and Integrated Attention Program of the Ajuntament de Barcelona, who shared her knowledge about the role of the caregiver during an oncological process.

In the section Fem camí per avançar després del càncer, the attendees were divided into these four groups to listen to and share their experiences with the disease, and to understand the needs of each group. From the conclusions drawn, the FECEC Junts contra el Càncer and its federated entities will be able to improve the services they offer to people with cancer and their families, and will continue to advocate with administrations for the defense of their rights. These focus groups were supported by Nephila Health Partnership.

The event concluded with a performance by Symbios Duo, featuring singer Laia Puy and keyboardist Sergi Rodríguez.

This event has been supported by the Departaments de Drets Socials i Inclusió and Salut of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Diputació de Barcelona, the Fundació “la Caixa”, and Pierre Fabre laboratories; and with the collaboration of the Ajuntament de Barcelona, the Col·legi de Farmacèutics de Barcelona, RAC1, and Flors Noè Germans.

Check out the video summary of the day.

La entrada People who have overcome or chronicled cancer catches the speech at the 3rd edition of the ‘Celebra la vida després del càncer’ event se publicó primero en Junts contra el càncer - FECEC.

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