Andorra Cancer Advocate Urges Radiotherapy Unit and Data Registry

Josep Saravia, president of Assandca, the Andorran cancer patient support association, has renewed calls for a dedicated radiotherapy unit, expanded research, and an official population-based cancer registry ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4.

In recent interviews with *Diari d'Andorra* and *Bon Dia*, Saravia highlighted rising cancer cases in the Principat, estimating around 500 new diagnoses annually. He stressed the need for full local treatment coverage, noting that while all patients receive care, many travel to Spain for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Travel to Barcelona for radiotherapy sessions often leads to exhaustion, with some patients halting treatment after multiple visits. "When you see someone risking their life but stopping because they are tired, something is failing," Saravia said.

A major concern is the lack of reliable data. Assandca, as a private non-profit, has sought comprehensive population statistics for a decade but cannot access official figures from the government or CASS. The hospital maintains an internal tumour registry, but Saravia described current efforts as operating "by intuition," limiting prevention campaigns. He criticized government data as selective and hospital-based rather than population-wide, including mortality figures that he views as skewed by residents returning home before death.

Saravia expressed particular worry over childhood cancer, citing WHO statistics of 20 cases per 100,000 people annually. Cases are treated abroad and remain invisible locally, with no official figures available. He urged attention from services like SAAS and CASS.

The radiotherapy project, approved under former Health Minister Toni Martí but paused after elections, faces ongoing resistance from Minister Marc Benazet over costs, patient numbers, and technician shortages. Saravia argued it would serve the entire Pyrenees region and align with emerging research interests in Sant Julià de Lòria. Despite a €60 million surplus, the unit is not a priority.

Positive developments include Health Ministry consideration of prostate cancer screening via blood tests, as done elsewhere, and a theoretical national oncology plan focused on better patient care—though progress is slow.

Assandca has evolved from providing information to offering supervised housing, medical transport, and recreational activities. Relations with the government are personally positive but sometimes strained institutionally. Saravia praised the Oncological Forgetfulness Law, which mainly helps children by barring past diagnoses from affecting loans or insurance, though recurrences are excluded.

For World Cancer Day, Assandca adopts BC MoraBanc's "never fear" slogan, urging people to confront the disease confidently amid improving treatments. Events include a free nutrition workshop, "La paella pel mànec," led by dietitian Marta Pons at Lycée Comte de Foix restaurant, and a school football tournament on February 15 for childhood cancer awareness, in collaboration with Escola Andorrana and the Andorran Football Federation.