Enhancing patient engagement in cancer research: a focus on patient-centric approaches to scientific discovery.

Patient engagement in healthcare and research empowers patients to actively participate in decision-making, treatment planning, and research design, fostering better treatment outcomes and relevance. However, barriers, such as power imbalances, structural limitations, a lack of awareness, and socioeconomic disparities, often hinder meaningful involvement, particularly for marginalized groups. Overcoming these challenges requires inclusive frameworks and infrastructures to promote collaboration among patients, researchers, and other stakeholders. Initiatives like the Patient Engagement Open Forum or World Cancer Research Day underscore the importance of patient-centered approaches. By fostering trust, transparency, and shared decision-making, a more inclusive and impactful healthcare and research ecosystem can be achieved.