Academic History

Tanja Spanic, PhD, is a patient advocate and President of Europa Donna Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Following her breast cancer diagnosis, Dr Spanic became actively involved in advocacy, joining Europa Donna Slovenia. In April 2020, she was elected President of Europa Donna – The European Breast Cancer Coalition, where she works to improve breast cancer awareness, early detection, and patient support across Europe. Dr Spanic serves in leadership and advisory roles across several prominent cancer organizations. She is a faculty member for the Breast Cancer in Young Women (BCY) and European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC), as well as a member of the Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) at Oxford and the Lancet Oncology Breast Cancer Commission. She is also actively involved in the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), where she chairs the Patient Advocates Working Group and contributes to policy-making initiatives.

Speaking on patient advocacy and advancing breast cancer care

Dr Spanic specializes in patient advocacy, with a strong focus on empowering individuals affected by breast cancer. She works to integrate patient perspectives into clinical trials, shape healthcare policies, and promote equitable access to innovative treatments. Through her leadership roles, she collaborates with researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to ensure that breast cancer patients receive the best possible care.

Her advocacy emphasizes the importance of early detection, patient education, and the psychosocial aspects of cancer care. Dr Spanic continues to drive meaningful changes in breast cancer awareness and treatment across Europe.