Top 5 Cancer Foundations in Spain Making a Real Difference in 2025
- francescaqvisionfa
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Author: Sara Mladenić
Cancer is still one of the leading health problems in the world, and Spain is no exception. There are over 280,000 new diagnosed cases of cancer diagnosed every year and the need for strong support systems, good patient care and innovative research is needed more than ever. One of the main systems that helps win this fight are charitable foundations that play a crucial part by providing support for patients, funding research and raising awareness. In this article, five standout cancer foundations in Spain that are making a substantial impact in 2025 will be presented.
Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC)
AECC was founded in 1953 and it is one of the largest and most established organisations in Spain. Their main mission is to reduce cancer’s impact by research funding, prevention, patient support and representation. AECC works all over the country with over 52 regional branches and more than 2,000 local representatives.
The foundation has made substantial investments in cancer research through its Scientific Foundation, which has financed over 600 projects with over €114 million since its launch. The organization also provides palliative support, psychological care and financial help to patients in need.
Fundación CRIS Contra el Cáncer
Fundación CRIS Contra el Cáncer distinguishes itself with its determination to innovative cancer research. Since its foundation in 2010, CRIS has financed many groundbreaking projects that are aimed to improve treatments for many types of cancer, including sarcomas, pediatric cancers and blood cancers.
CRIS has provided €50 million to oncology research and is planning to invest an additional €80 million till 2030. CRIS initiatives have directly benefited over 8,300 patients in Spain while also helping millions more globally. The organisation supports clinical trials for progressive treatments and joins forces with international researchers in countries like UK and France.
CRIS works with leading institutions like VHIO (Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology) to improve digitalization and precision oncology. Besides that, the organisation has also launched CRIS-UCM, an Internship programme that supports young medical researchers. Remarkably, CRIS funds specialized units in public health care across Spain to ensure unbiased access to innovative treatments despite the socioeconomic status of a patient.
Through fundraising campaigns, CRIS actively engages with the public. For instance, female taxi drivers sell "Pulseras de Vida," bracelets that help raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Besides that, the organisation has created initiatives like selling flower pots at Ballesol residences that raised more than ten thousand euros for children with cancer treatments.
CRIS also organizes annual symposiums that gather experts to debate advancements in biomarkers and customized treatments for individual patients. These events promote collaborative work among scientists and clinical staff while improving progress in the accuracy of oncology.
Fundación Josep Carreras Contra la Leucemia
This foundation, which specializes in blood cancers, was founded by world-known tenor Josep Carreras after his own battle with leukemia. This foundation is entirely dedicated to eradicating blood cancers such as lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia.
Fundación Josep Carreras Contra la Leucemia operates a global bone marrow donor registry and finances research into innovative therapies such as CAR-T cell treatments. Besides that, it also provides housing for patients that are undergoing treatments far from their homes.
Fundación Sandra Ibarra
Fundación Sandra Ibarra is special because its priority lies on advocacy and survivorship. It was founded by Sandra Ibarra, who is a two-time cancer survivor herself, and its main focus is to improve life for cancer survivors while promoting awareness about the importance of check-ups and early detection.
The foundation runs programs that help survivors integrate into society while standing up for better policies and healthcare related to oncology care.
Fundación Aladina
Fundación Aladina is an organisation that is dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families. It provides financial aid, emotional care and improvements to hospital environments.
The foundation provides both medical and emotional care during their treatment journey and its initiatives include psychological help for young patients and their families while also providing special medical instruments for pediatric oncology wards.
Conclusion
These five organisations show the power of collective efforts in fighting against cancer. Their work ranges from different areas such as advocacy, research funding, patient care and survivorship support. By volunteering and donating to their organisations, readers can make a small contribution to a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease. Only by helping each other can we make a lasting difference in the lives of millions impacted by this disease across Spain and beyond.
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