Gina Volkaert

Cancer care is evolving rapidly. Together, we can transform cancer care and develop medical innovations that improve and extend the lives of those facing this disease. At Novartis, we are proud to partner with All.Can Belgium. By collaborating with patient and care representatives, healthcare professionals, health experts, policymakers and other industry representatives, we aim to enhance the efficiency of cancer care in Belgium. If you are interested in the latest developments in oncology, we invite you to attend the free conference “Cancer Care: The Future is Now” organised by All.Can Belgium in Brussels on Wednesday, 6 November. At this event, you will have the opportunity to explore: 💡 The impact of innovation in oncology on healthcare organisations 🔬 Clinical research in the era of molecular oncology 🗝️ Access to innovation 📊 The role of AI, data and telehealth in cancer care Admission is free, but registration before 4 November is mandatory. Information and registrations via https://lnkd.in/esGVg-qH 🎟️ #CancerCare #TheFutureIsNow #NovartisTogether

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Chairs of the Joint Congress of ESPE and European Society of Endocrinology Cynthia Andoniadou and Peter Kühnen explain why there is a need for our two Societies to come together for this inaugral event!  Register your interest: https://lnkd.in/e_VWeiFz #ConnectingEndocrinology2025

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September 1st marks World CLL Day. CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) is the most common form of leukemia, yet it is still rare with about 600-1000 patients receiving the diagnosis each year in Belgium.    At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to addressing the needs of patients by providing a platform that brings information and patients together to ensure support, information and connection.  🔗 https://lnkd.in/gJ3cGcdU 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gvGyf2YH   Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by CLL. AZ BeLux,  from hope, to impact.   #WCLLD24 #LetsLevelUp #CLL #FromHopeToImpact https://www.wclld.org/

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As the brand lead for Immunology in Belgium, a poignant reminder on World Arthritis Day of the crucial work still to be done for those with rheumatic diseases in Belgium. With over 80,000 individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis, the importance of accurate information and choice is key. Gratitude to Rheuma.be (KBVR-SRBR), ReumaNet and CLAIR for providing vital resources. Together, on #WorldArthritisDay, we can make 'Informed Choices, Better Outcomes' a reality. #WAD2024 #ReimagineMedicineTogether.

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𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵   At the 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆, we are committed to closely monitoring cancer trends across the country. During this important month, we want to address a common concern we often hear: the perceived increase in breast cancer incidence among young women, as observed in several countries. 𝗜𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗶𝘂𝗺, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆. Our publication in BJMO (https://lnkd.in/eH5kUqVe) on early-onset cancers reveals a 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 in the risk of a breast cancer diagnosis for women under 50. Our most recent data shows a decline of 𝟬.𝟮% 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 between 2004 and 2022. While this is encouraging news, we must not forget that 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 are still diagnosed with breast cancer each year. This translates into a risk of 2.7% of getting a breast cancer diagnosis before the age of 50. As we raise awareness this month, it’s crucial to remember that behind every statistic is a person, and the fight for better outcomes continues. Let’s use October as a reminder to support research and stand together with those affected by breast cancer.    #BreastCancerAwareness #CancerRegistration #CancerResearch

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Meet us at Influenza Vaccines for the World Conference and join Leon de Waal's and Aneta Karczmarek's presentation: Pandemic Preparedness: From Proof of Concept to Clinic on May 22nd at 14:30. Learn more about our strategies to advance vaccine development in the context of pandemic preparedness. #vaccinedevelopment #transformingresearch #advancinghealth #Influenza #pandemicpreparedness

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Key Takeaways from the CDDF Webinar on Cancer Medicines Forum - The Cancer Drug Development Forum (CDDF) EORTC - European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer #Cancer #DrugDevelopment #CancerTreatment #Webinar #EORTC #OncoDaily #Oncology

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Curious about the trends in Nuclear Medicine for 2025? Discover the new series with Prof Dr Rudi Dierckx 🚀

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📢 Belgian Cancer Registry, with support from Pink Ribbon, has published a significant peer-reviewed article on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer diagnoses and initial treatments in Belgium in 2020.   Key findings include: 🔹 A 23% decline in invasive breast cancer diagnoses during the first pandemic peak (March-June 2020), followed by a 7% rebound in the second half of 2020. 🔹 The initial decline mainly affected early-stage cancers, with no observed increase in advanced-stage tumours in the second half of 2020. 🔹 No general increase in time from diagnosis to first treatment was noted in 2020. 🔹 During March-June 2020, hormonal therapy was used more frequently to safely delay surgery for stage I-II breast cancer, aligning with ESMO guidelines. 🔹 On average, no increase in tumour size or nodal involvement was observed at surgery in 2020.   👏 Congrats to the authors: Hanna M. Peacock, Lien van Walle, Geert Silversmit, Patrick Neven, Sileny N. Han and Nancy Van Damme    Read the full open-access article here: https://lnkd.in/eKbJYMqu #BreastCancer #COVID19 #CancerResearch #BelgianCancerRegistry #PinkRibbon #HealthcareResearch #PublicHealth

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Highlights from European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) 2024 in our online magazine #EACRInRotterdam #EACR2024 #CancerPrevention #Cancer #OncoDaily #Oncology

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How can we use the ESG reporting as enabler for a broader 'Social'- sustainable HR dialogue in the organization ? Again an interesting topic within the #NextGenerationNetwork. How can we look beyond the reporting requirements on 'Social' ? There is an opportunity to set ambitions forward on our Workforce, on how we want to implement Health & Safety, on how we want to collaborate with Communities. Let's start this dialogue on a sustainable and future oriented HR strategy with the business, let's not wait until an auditor tells us to do so. Thanks AMS for facilitating this open discussion. #AMS #Socialsustainability #ESG

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Belgium has all the key ingredients to become a global leader in advanced therapies, but more collaboration is needed to build critical mass between its Regions. In Wallonia alone, around 15 companies are developing next-generation therapies, with many more businesses supporting them—creating over 6,000 jobs. Join us on October 15 for the Advanced Therapies in Belgium conference to see what's happening in Wallonia and Flanders and how we can drive this field forward together: https://lnkd.in/g8CyafGD 👉 See full article: https://lnkd.in/e3Rmxyxr #AdvancedTherapies #Healthcare

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#PancreaticCancer poses a significant challenge to public health in 🇪🇺! Our Position Paper, co-developed with Pancreatic Cancer Europe, Cancer Patients Europe - CPE, epc european pancreatic club, and UEG - United European Gastroenterology, delves into the facts surrounding pancreatic cancer, outlining the current challenges and proposing actionable solutions in the next five years. Read the full paper ➡ https://lnkd.in/enhN8cSk #PancreaticCancer #EUElections #EUElection2024 #EU4Health #HealthUnion #EUCancerPlan #DigestiveCancers EU Health and Food Safety EU Science, Research and Innovation European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) European Parliament European Commission EU Health Coalition WHO Regional Office for Europe IARC - International Agency for Research on Cancer / World Health Organization

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Have you ever heard of Acromegaly? Do you know anyone with this condition? Acromegaly is a chronic, rare disease related to excessive production of growth hormone, with 9 out of 10 cases originating from a monoclonal benign pituitary tumor. What do patients experience? Patients can show progressive disfigurement primarily of the face and extremities. Sadly, it is often diagnosed late, in middle-age adults, due to it’s subtle progression, causing a variety of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neurological, and neoplastic comorbidities that might not be reversible with treatments that work to control the disease. At Debiopharm we are exploring how we can improve the quality of life and treatment convenience of people living with this condition. Today, on Acromegly Awarness Day, I invite you to learn more through the inspiring patient organization, Acromegaly Community. #rarediseases #acromegaly #clinicalresearch  https://lnkd.in/egH3873S

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Key Insights From The Cancer Medicines Forum Workshop - EORTC - European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer European Medicines Agency Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024 #Amsterdam #AnticancerMedicines #Cancer #ClinicalResearch #EORTC #OncoDaily #Oncology #ResearchCollaboration

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🔊 Anticancer Fund exposes misleading cancer treatments in collaboration with Belgian newspaper De Tijd. 💉 The Anticancer Fund is no stranger to the increasing number of inquiries from cancer patients about so-called “innovative” treatments—therapies that are often not only unproven but potentially harmful. In light of this disturbing trend, the Anticancer Fund approached De Tijd last year to shed light on these deceptive practices targeting vulnerable patients. 📰 De Tijd led the investigation and joined forces with ZDF (Germany), El Pais (Spain), and DER STANDARD (Austria). to expose these dubious treatment schemes across multiple countries. 🤚 Combating Misinformation The Anticancer Fund has long fought against the spread of misinformation, which can have devastating consequences for patients, both medically and financially. To support patients in making informed decisions, we offer My Cancer Navigator, a free information service that provides cancer patients and their families with personalised, evidence-based information about their diagnosis and treatment options. 💡 The Anticancer Fund calls on everyone to be critical of the sources they rely on for medical information and urges patients to consult their treating physicians when in doubt. Special thanks to Lars Bové and Femke van Garderen for their investigation. 📌 To read the article in De Tijd: https://lnkd.in/eBA4uMTK ✅ To reach out to My Cancer Navigator, our free service for patients confronted with cancer: www.mycancernavigator.org More questions? Please contact us. #anticancerfund #antikankerfonds #fondsanticancer #mycancernavigator The National Lottery Belfius International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) SKEPP vzw

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#PressRelease Cellistic® is proud to announce the successful certification of its first GMP facility dedicated to iPSC-based allogeneic cell therapies. This milestone, certified by the Belgian FAMHP - Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products operating under European Medicines Agency guidelines, reflects Cellistic's mission to pave the way to accessible cell therapies, making treatment more available to patients. 🌟 Read the full press release: https://hubs.ly/Q02Z1NYB0 #Cellistic #CellTherapy #Allogeneic #iPSC #BiotechInnovation #GMPManufacturing

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Proud to support the management of #myastheniagravis in Belgium! Myasthenia gravis cannot be cured, but with proper and patient-tailored disease management many people can live their normal lives again, with minimal to no symptoms. Clinical guidelines can strongly improve physicians in providing the best possible care for patients.    As #optimisinghealthcare is what #Hict'ers live for we are proud to announce the publication of #clinicalrecommendations for the management of myasthenia gravis in Belgium: ✔ based on the latest scientific evidence; ✔ aligned with the Belgium reimbursement criteria; ✔ keeping in mind newer and (near) future therapies; ✔ with a focus on the practical implementation to optimally support our Belgian neurologists.   The manuscript has been published in #ActaNeurologicaBelgica. Read it here! https://lnkd.in/eCxN88G8    We truly appreciated collaborating with the authors, experts from the seven Belgian neuromuscular reference centers PROF. DR DE BLEECKER JAN, Kristl Claeys, Stéphanie Delstanche, Bissay, Véronique, Vinciane Van Parijs, Gauthier Remiche, Alicia Alonso-Jiménez and want to thank Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., argenx, Johnson & Johnson, UCB for their support. Want to know more on how Hict handles such projects? Read the reference case on our website: https://lnkd.in/eiPdS8Mk

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Our wish for 2025 ? Working hand in hand with all the players to close the healthcare gap 🇧🇪 Belgium is a leader in biopharma innovation, with the highest R&D investment per capita in Europe. Yet, Belgian families often miss out on routine tests and treatments available in other EU countries, losing valuable time with loved ones. At Roche, we strongly believe healthcare spending isn’t about doing more but doing better. Together, we can build a smarter, more sustainable system that prioritises prevention, recognises the value of innovation, and puts health at the heart of the new government’s priorities. 🔍 The solutions we wish to bring forward: Healthcare as an Investment: Let's shift the narrative. Healthcare is not just a cost— it's an investment that benefits patients, society and our economy. By prioritising prevention, we can detect diseases earlier, potentially enable recovery, or even prevent them from occurring, therefore contributing to a healthier society. What's in innovation? It's vital to find new treatments and tests, especially where there are none. But let's also celebrate continuous innovations in existing therapy areas that make a difference for patients, enhancing their quality of life. Earlier and faster access to innovative tests and treatments: Belgium is known as a hub for pharmaceutical and biotech innovation but this position is at risk. To maintain our edge, we must evolve the access framework to align with new innovation profiles, and continue to ensure timely patient access to life-changing treatments through clinical trials. ✨ It’s time to turn Belgium’s healthcare potential into reality—for generations to come. We can’t do it alone, let’s work together ! #WeAreRoche #HealthcareInnovation #CloseTheHealthcareGap

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