The Europe Region of World Physiotherapy recently held an event at the European Parliament to mark the closing of UcanACT, an EU funded project coordinated by the Europe Region for cancer prevention through physical activity.

The event was hosted by the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Kathleen Funchion and Giorgos Georgiou, both from The Left party, and was moderated by Emilia Kosińska, project manager of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy.

In their opening remarks, the MEPs underlined the vital role physiotherapy plays in preventing non-communicable diseases. The first panel followed with a discussion on evidence-based approaches to cancer. Nele Adriaenssens, member of the Cancer Working Group of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy, highlighted the key role of physiotherapy in cancer care, emphasising the need to integrate physical activity into its strategies.

The second panel featured the UcanACT project consortium. Michele Cannone, member of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy Executive Committee, presented Bologna (Italy) as a pilot city and shared how the municipality is implementing physical activity initiatives led by physiotherapists. 

Key findings from the UcanACT project were then presented, including a study on the economic value and cost-effectiveness of physical activity as a preventive measure against cancer. Carmen Suárez, 1st Vice-Chairperson of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy, noted that most studies reported improved patient quality of life, particularly with higher-intensity exercise, which was linked to reduced physical fatigue.

The event concluded with a panel on policy integration, followed by closing remarks from Esther-Mary D'Arcy, Chair of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy. She thanked the speakers and highlighted the physiotherapists’ dual role as both movement experts and motivators, capable of empowering individuals and supporting long-term behavioural change, as demonstrated throughout the UcanACT project.

The recording of the event is now available! Watch it now: