A new study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer has been released just days ahead of World Cancer Day on 4th February and it carries a grim forecast of rising cases and mortalities over the next two decades as well as a warning about the immediate need for more investment in treatment and prevention strategies.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) cancer agency, is predicting a steady rise in the number of new cancer cases and affiliated deaths in the next two decades.
The study offers a global view into the proliferation of cancer as well as how it is treated and how research is funded, and while Europe performs best in many of these areas, there is still considerable cause for concern.
The cancers with the highest incidence rates in Europe as of 2022 are breast, prostate, colorectum and lung. France’s overall cancer rates are amongst Europe’s highest, at 339 cases per 100,000 people, with only Sweden, Denmark and Ireland coming up worse.
Doctor Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, says, “At a time when health financing is coming under increasing pressure across Europe, we risk undoing decades of progress to improve the health and wellbeing of millions of people. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, my message to everyone – politicians and citizens alike – is that we need more, not less, health”.
By 2045, there will be an estimated 22.5% more new cancer cases per year in Europe, compared to a terrifying 55% increase globally. In real numbers, this means that worldwide cancer cases will go from 19.9 million in 2022 to 30.9 million by 2045.
Mortalities are also expected to rise on the continent by 32%, compared to more than 111% in Africa, nearly 80% in Asia and close to 60% in North America.
Investment and equal access to care needed
Europeans may be amongst the more privileged in the world in terms of access to health care, but not all countries have the same access to cancer care. Low-income Swedes, for example, are at more risk of dying from cancer than their wealthier counterparts, according to a report from the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in January.
To level the playing field, the UICC has called for increases in funding for cancer disparities, requesting cancer services be integrated into national health benefits and that better cancer screening programmes are implemented.
A WHO survey of 115 countries revealed that the majority of countries do not finance cancer services as part of health coverage well enough, spurring further calls for targeted investment to lessen the differences between countries.
Come with Monaco Life as we take you on a tour around the new Café de Paris and explain why and how designer David Collins Studio was able to achieve such a remarkable rebirth.
Quentin Chiai is a young and ambitious entrepreneur who, after a highly disciplined military career and serving in the prestigious Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince, made a life-changing turn to follow his passion for design.
Quentin Chiai founded Iconic Design in 2022. He is now expanding, and together with his team, they celebrated the inauguration of their new interior design showroom and boutique on Rue Grimaldi in the Principality on 1st February.
Their maxim: “Creating timeless spaces as iconic as the people who bring them to life”.
Quentin Chiai, military man-turned-designer
Monaco Life: Can you give us a summary of your background and how you ended up where you are?
Quentin Chiai: I am originally from Normandy. While in the army, I had the unique experience of serving at the Elysée under President François Hollande as Gendarme of the Republican Guard. Following that, I joined the prestigious Carabiniers de Monaco, a pivotal period in my life. The time during the pandemic served for introspection, leading me to transition from my military career to pursue my lifelong passion for design. Before entering the army, I had pursued construction studies.
Post-military service, I had the chance to join a prominent interior décor showroom in Monaco as a project manager. This experience was crucial for me and helped me develop the skill set needed, especially in the people management area. In 2022, I took the leap and founded Iconic Design, initially operating from a business centre and later expanding to our dedicated showroom and boutique on Rue Grimaldi.
Can you tell us about your personality?
People often describe me as rigorous, a trait instilled through my education and military background. This discipline and logical approach are evident in everything on the work side, as I bring order and am meticulous and methodical. On the other side, adaptability is also a defining aspect of my personality. Having been able to do many different things in life, I firmly believe that nothing is impossible; it’s merely a matter of thinking creatively and finding solutions.
On the flip side, I never stop to appreciate what I have accomplished, as I continuously seek opportunities to improve and grow, as a never-ending process. Lastly, I am genuinely friendly and curious: I enjoy getting to know new people professionally and personally.
Iconic Design showroom
What inspired you to develop your business idea?
I switched careers and started Iconic Design because I love design and real estate. Monaco’s particular market allowed me to create a company where clients can bring their vision to life in their spaces. Opening a showroom just made sense – now clients can see and feel the furniture, allowing them to explore different possibilities to craft a space that genuinely feels like them.
How did you come up with the name for your business?
Choosing the name “Iconic Design” was a deliberate decision. I wanted something easy to remember, catchy, and inherently connected to what we do. The name encapsulates our focus on creating designs that are distinctive and memorable.
What do you enjoy the most about being an entrepreneur? How do you manage your work-life balance?
The aspect I enjoy the most is the freedom to organise my time according to my priorities. It is true that the entrepreneurial mind is always engaged, allowing me to make things happen during both work and leisure time. However, controlling my schedule enables me to prioritise crucial aspects of my life, such as spending quality time with my young son.
Maintaining work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being. I achieve this by prioritising family, and leveraging the flexibility that comes with entrepreneurship. During working hours, I focus on efficiency and productivity to ensure that I can allocate ample time to both my professional and personal life.
The Iconic Design team: Alexandra Boldrini, Quentin Chiai, and Benedetta Pizzonia
What are your tips to create a great team?
Building an exceptional team starts with trust. When hiring, I sought individuals I could believe in completely. As the personnel expanded, I valued their feedback in the hiring process. Team dynamics are essential, and understanding the vibe among members is crucial for smooth operations. Diversity in skill sets is another critical consideration. I believe in having team members with complementary skills to cover a broad spectrum of expertise.
What aspects of the designer-client relationship would you highlight?
In our client relationship, effective communication is fundamental, ensuring we grasp the project vision accurately. We aim to deliver personalised spaces and emphasise making the entire design process stress-free. We aim to create an open and collaborative atmosphere, to let the client enjoy a seamless and comfortable experience throughout the project. Establishing a relationship based on mutual trust and understanding ensures a positive and collaborative design experience.
Inside the Iconic Design showroom
As a project manager, what questions will you ask your potential client to help define their project?
When initiating a project, I ask clients about their specific vision. Understanding their design preferences, themes they favour, and their desired timeline and budget are crucial factors in shaping the project according to their expectations.
What projects are you working on now?
From the start, we’ve been fortunate to work on a mix of residential and commercial projects. While most are residential, we have also received interesting commercial requests that add diversity to our portfolio.
What are the most critical factors and influences that will shape the future of your company and the industry at large?
The future of Iconic Design and the industry hinges on several critical factors. Firstly, our commitment to delivering exceptional service will remain paramount. As the market evolves, staying at the forefront of emerging design trends will be crucial. Additionally, we recognise the significance of environmental sustainability in design. Incorporating eco-friendly practices and materials aligns with the growing industry trend and our responsibility to contribute positively to the ecosystem. Lastly, the ability to adapt to changing client expectations and lifestyle preferences will play a pivotal role. By remaining agile and responsive, we aim to continue crafting timeless, personalised spaces that resonate with our clients.
