Citizen engagement for health equity: evidence from the ONCODIR project
M Calabrò, A MavropoulosAbstract
Background
Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent, yet preventable forms of cancer in the EU. Prevention efforts in relation to colorectal cancer remain limited mostly due to low health literacy, insufficient personalisation of risk information, and a disconnect between citizens and policymakers. Existing prevention approaches rarely integrate multiple stakeholders into a common evidence-based system.
Objectives
To co-develop a participatory, digital system that enables risk stratification for colorectal cancer, engages citizens in prevention, and translates citizen-level data into evidence for policy across five EU countries.
Methods
The project combines a mobile app for citizens with a clinician dashboard, and a dashboard for policy, interconnected through the Fusion Engine. Citizens complete validated questionnaires and receive a personalised risk score based on modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors. Living Labs, workshops, and two pilot studies engage citizens directly, enabling real-world testing and iterative refinement. During the process, a dedicated bias detection tool monitors data quality and flags for potential inequality. The two dashboards help in monitoring developments and providing fitted recommendations (clinicians), and in visualising analytics pertaining to colorectal cancer (policy-makers).
Results
Personalised digital tools enhance citizens’ comprehension of the risks associated with colorectal cancer and encourage behavioural changes that promote healthier lifestyles. Living Labs cultivate a meaningful dialogue between policymakers, clinicians, and citizens. Citizens’ feedback has exposed, up to now, the existence of structural barriers to lifestyle change.
Conclusions
Integrating citizen engagement with digital innovation and policy creates a replicable model for participatory colorectal cancer prevention. Connecting individual health data to policy dashboards strengthens the link between citizen empowerment and systemic change.