# Alivia Oncology Foundation Spain

Alivia Oncology Foundation Spain (Alivia Fundación Oncológica) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by cancer. It is a member of the international Alivia network and headquartered in Barcelona, Spain.

## History and mission

The Alivia network was initially established in Poland in 2010. The network's main objective is to mobilize and train cancer patients to help them get the best treatments. In Spain, it regularly provides information on the recommended treatments for the 20 most lethal types of cancer and verifies whether they are available. In addition, it promotes solidarity programs and provides free consultations with psycho-oncologists and nutritionists. It also has a volunteer program that offers support, guidance, and accompaniment for cancer patients.
The foundation operates with the guiding principle of "inspiring courage" in cancer patients. According to the latest OncoIndex study by the Alivia Foundation, Spain fully funds only 35% of cancer treatments recommended by European institutions. Out of 132 approved therapies, only 46 are covered, highlighting a significant gap in access to advanced oncology treatments for Spanish patients. This underscores the need for adequate funding strategies to ensure equitable access to cancer care across Europe.

## Collaborations and campaigns

Alivia Oncology Foundation Spain collaborates with medical institutions, research bodies, and patient advocacy organizations. In response to a 20-30% reduction in oncologist availability during the summer of 2024, the foundation called on health authorities to bolster staffing levels during this critical period. Alivia emphasized the necessity of ensuring full availability of oncologists and related professionals during the summer months to avoid significant gaps in patient care caused by these absences.
It also runs public awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma surrounding cancer. In 2023 The Alivia Oncology Foundation started a petition to increase public investment in mental health for the treatment of cancer patients. Psychological care to cancer patients is necessary since the prevalence of disorders such as anxiety and depression can affect up to half of patients - according to a review of studies by the Alivia Foundation.

### Aid to Ukrainian refugees

According to data from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the number of Ukrainian refugees in European countries has already surpassed the 14 million mark. More than 2,000 refugees with cancer from Ukraine have received help to access a diagnosis or treatment in Poland with the help of Alivia Foundation. The foundation is considering extending this campaign to Spain and other European countries that have received refugees from Ukraine.

### Advocacy for the "Right to Be Forgotten"

In 2023 Alivia in Spain actively took part in the campaign supporting the launching of Spain's Right to Be Forgotten. Alivia in Spain campaigned in Social Media, and local and national media. The campaign was successful and on June 27, 2023 Council of Ministers included the Right to Be Forgotten for cancer patients. This legal provision allows individuals to avoid disclosing their cancer history to financial institutions and employers after a specified period, reducing discrimination and fostering social inclusion.

## International network

The Alivia Oncology Foundation Spain is part of a broader network that includes operations in Poland and possible in the future, other countries. Alivia International Foundation, located in the Netherlands, has a coordinating role.
Alivia International Foundation financed Alivia Spain at its start to enable it to develop fundraising activities by acquiring regular donors and corporate donors.

## Contact and location

The Spanish office is located at Rambla de Catalunya 38, 8º, 1ª, 08007 Barcelona, Spain. Official Website