RSU Professor Maija Radziņa represents Latvia at EU cancer screening summit

Photo: Courtesy of Maija Radziņa

The European Union – European Cancer Screening and Early Detection Policy Summit was held in Brussels on 17-18 February 2026, bringing together European health policymakers, researchers, and industry experts to strengthen cooperation in cancer screening and early detection across Europe. 

The summit was also attended by Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Tenured Professor Maija Radziņa, Lead Researcher in the fields of radiology, artificial intelligence and digitalisation, and Board Member of the European Society of Radiology. She represented Latvia and emphasised the need to strengthen the national role in all European screening programmes.

During the summit, key issues were discussed, including equal access to cancer screening, the importance of early diagnosis, and the involvement of member states in joint European initiatives.

‘Latvia is actively involved in European cancer screening programmes and pilot projects, and a number of strategic tasks still need to be carried out to achieve the implementation of lung, prostate, and stomach cancer screening at the national level.

We are currently ready to develop and implement pilot projects,’ emphasised Radziņa. ‘The summit also highlighted the role of not only healthcare but also financial policy, as successful screening programmes become cost-effective when patient participation is high. These programmes have a well-planned continuity in diagnostics and treatment, and they should become an integral part of preventive medicine.’

Participation in the summit strengthens Latvia's position on the European health policy agenda and promotes a targeted progress towards more effective, accessible, and coordinated cancer screening programmes.