ASSANDCA Hosts Seventh Paella Workshop on World Cancer Day

**ASSANDCA hosts seventh La Paella pel Mànec workshop on World Cancer Day, highlighting nutrition and broader patient challenges**

The Andorran Association Against Cancer (ASSANDCA) organised the seventh edition of its La Paella pel Mànec workshop on Tuesday, 4 February, to mark World Cancer Day. The practical session at the Lycée Comte de Foix drew around 50 participants, including about 20 cancer patients, for guidance on preparing nutrient-dense meals suited to oncology treatments.

Chef and Lycée instructor Hugues Lemarignier, together with SAAS dietitian-nutritionist Marta Pons Jansana, led a dynamic presentation followed by live cooking demonstrations. Lycée students volunteered alongside, assisting in the training restaurant kitchen and exchanging tips with attendees. Lycée director Olivier Salvan described the event as a highlight of the school's community engagement, praising the voluntary student involvement and intergenerational knowledge-sharing.

The focus was on three recipes using local, organic, seasonal produce: root vegetable soup with thyme and turmeric meatballs; apricot, ginger, rye, and oat muffins; and a pear, celery, and cumin smoothie. Two were prepared on site, with practical advice for everyday use by patients and the public.

"These dishes contain foods with high nutritional value, ideal for managing oncological conditions," Pons Jansana said.

ASSANDCA president Josep Saravia called such events essential for improving quality of life among those affected. He also raised ongoing concerns during the day, including the lack of published cancer statistics, delays in the health privacy law, and the need for a domestic radiotherapy unit amid rising patient numbers. Saravia stressed the growing difficulty finding affordable housing in Barcelona for those treated abroad, urging political action or at least supervised accommodation options.

Health Minister Helena Mas responded that the national oncology plan—shaped through input from professionals, advisors, and ASSANDCA—would launch within one to one-and-a-half months. She highlighted ministry efforts in prevention, screening, promotion, and care, plus 2026 upgrades to the -3 floor at Nostra Senyora de Meritxell hospital for more welcoming spaces.

Due to strong turnout, a follow-up session is set for 21 April 2026. Collaborators included the Lycée Comte de Foix, Marta Pons's Dietary Advice Centre, CNDA, Biocoop Andorra, and Rebost del Nord.