NABD-BC2 at the Advanced Breast Cancer Eight International Consensus Conference (ABC8)

NABD-BC2 Association was proudly represented by its President, Mrs. Ikram Eseghir, and Vice-President, Mrs. Nezha El Raoui, at the Advanced Breast Cancer Eight International Consensus Conference (ABC8), held from November 6 to 8, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, as an associate observer of the ABC Global Alliance. This year’s edition brought together global experts, patient advocates, and leading organizations committed to improving care, quality of life, and the meaningful engagement of persons living with advanced breast cancer, creating a dynamic atmosphere of learning, collaboration, and shared purpose. 

As part of our commitment to meaningful engagement and the inclusion of persons with lived experience (PWLE) in health decision-making, NABD-BC2’s delegation participated in several sessions focused on advocacy, communication, and patient-centered care. One of the most powerful discussions centered on the misconceptions surrounding advanced breast cancer and cancer-related stigma, and their impact on access to care, social isolation, and patients’ overall quality of life, an issue at the core of NABD-BC2’s mission in Morocco.

The team also engaged in sessions focused on improving communication with patients, addressing the challenges and benefits of treatments, and strengthening supportive and palliative care services. These exchanges offered valuable insights and contributed to a deeper understanding of global best practices.

A key moment of ABC8 came on the third day, when the conference moved into the formal consensus process. During this structured and transparent session, experts gathered the statements developed throughout the scientific discussions and submitted them for voting, ensuring that the final ABC8 consensus reflects the most up-to-date evidence and shared expertise of the global oncology community. This process will help shape international standards of care for advanced breast cancer in the years ahead.

Another highlight of the conference was the introduction of the updated ABC Global Charter, outlining ten strategic actions to drive transformative change for individuals living with advanced breast cancer throughout the decade. NABD-BC2 was honored to contribute to the development of this charter by serving as a Survey Ambassador, supporting the translation, dissemination, and collection of responses from Moroccan patients and the healthcare professionals involved in their care. Through this contribution, we helped ensure that the voices of our national community were heard and reflected in a global framework aimed at improving patient care and support.

Throughout the conference, we also had the opportunity to share Morocco’s advocacy experience, learn from innovative approaches to patient engagement, and explore new opportunities for collaboration within the ABC Global Alliance community. These exchanges were invaluable, offering fresh perspectives and reinforcing our commitment to advancing patient-centred policies and amplifying the voices of persons living with advanced breast cancer.

The conference also offered valuable networking opportunities with leading cancer organizations worldwide, including the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), EUROPA DONNA, The European Breast Cancer Coalition, and others, as well as inspiring exchanges with advocates from across the globe and healthcare professionals.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the ABC Global Alliance for sponsoring the participation of Mrs. Ikram Eseghir and for their continuous efforts to advance cancer care worldwide. NABD-BC2 returns from ABC8 inspired, energized, and more determined than ever to contribute to a future where the lived experiences of patients are recognized, respected, and placed at the center of all decisions in healthcare.