EVITA, a Portuguese non-profit patient organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by hereditary cancer, has officially joined HECADE (HEreditary CAncer ADvocates Europe). This partnership marks a powerful step forward in enhancing collaboration across Europe in the field of hereditary cancer syndromes. Besides EVITA, HECADE is currently composed of the following funding members: Fondazione Mutagens (Italy); NFKinder (Austria); PTEN Italia and VHL Europa.
HECADE is a growing network of patient organisations that work together to advance precision prevention, early detection, treatment, and improved care for people at risk of hereditary cancer. By bringing together advocates from multiple countries, HECADE fosters unified communication, shared strategies, and joint action at the European level.
The collaboration is especially timely, aligning with EVITA’s broader mission to close the gaps in hereditary cancer awareness, diagnosis, and care. This new partnership with HECADE is also highly complementary to one of EVITA’s most ambitious undertakings — the launch of the EVITA Platform (https://evitaplatform.org/)
EVITA platform, launched in February 2024, has already demonstrated the power of digital tools in facilitating the identification of hereditary cancer mutation carriers. In 1 year, the platform has already attracted more than 3.000 registered users, indicative of significant public interest. This notable interest highlights the relevance and effectiveness of digital tools in empowering individuals to proactively manage their hereditary cancer risk.
The platform is an innovative, citizen-centered digital tool built to address the complex needs of people at risk of hereditary cancer and it provides several features aiming to better support mutation carriers and cancer patients, such as:
- Verified, accessible information on hereditary cancer in lay language;
- A self-assessment questionnaire that signals possible need for genetic counseling;
- Access to online psychological and genetic support;
- A scientific data infrastructure to support clinical and scientific research.
We warmly invite anyone with an interest in hereditary cancer – whether individuals, healthcare professionals, researchers, or patient advocates – to join HECADE and/or collaborate with EVITA in advancing this important mission.
Discover more about EVITA:
EVITA is a portuguese non-profit patient organisation, that, since 2011, is on a mission to save lives and improve the quality-of-life of oncology patients and individuals as well as families affected by hereditary cancer. EVITA’s president, Tamara Milagre, is a certified Patient Expert by the European Patients Academy (EUPATI), a member of the ePAG Council at the European Reference Network GENTURIS and an active member of National Cancer Hub Portugal. She passionately advocates for the prevention and treatment of sporadic and hereditary cancers and supports people who deal with the risk factors associated with these diseases. Tamara Milagre has been distinguished by the Portuguese Minister of Research and Education and received the Medal of Scientific Merit 2020.
