Excellence in Communicating and Using Data

Summary of work

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is estimated that, in 2020, 1 million cancers have not been diagnosed and over 100 million screenings have not been performed. Across Europe, the information on the impact of COVID-19 on cancer was scattered and difficult to access, making policy action complex and uncertain.

In this context, we established ‘Time To Act’, a policy campaign to help stakeholders understand the holistic impact of COVID-19 on cancer and ensure that it is integrated into cancer care policy across Europe.

Together with the European Cancer Organisation, we created the ‘Time To Act’ Data Navigator and designed an ecosystem of creative assets and engagement opportunities to connect stakeholders and facilitate knowledge and best practice exchange. ‘Time To Act’ provides a unique opportunity to support cancer advocacy during and beyond the pandemic. It equips media with accessible, peer-reviewed data to elevate the need for policy action and helps inform robust policy initiatives that can improve the lives of cancer patients, one of the most vulnerable patient communities during the pandemic. Our campaign has informed policy discussions at the highest levels of government across Europe, demonstrating the value of our influential data sharing resource beyond borders, cultures and languages.

Judges' comments

This far-reaching and impactful campaign made excellent use of a number of different communication methods and a full range of stakeholders to reach its audience and achieve broad coverage. It was creative, well thought through and well planned, with strong outcomes. The Time to Act campaign utilised very impressive and in-depth analysis that truly changed the policy discussion and action, and will clearly benefit patients.