In all, Europe accounts for a tenth of the world's population, but a quarter of the world's cancer cases. By 2035 cases are set to increase by almost 25%, making it the leading cause of death in the EU. https://www.eudebates.tv/debates/eu-p... These figures highlight the EU's need to step up its work on cancer with concrete policies. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted cancer care, disrupting prevention and treatment, delaying diagnosis, and affecting access to medicines.
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Is the EU not already acting on cancer?
The EU has indeed been working to tackle cancer for decades. Its actions include tobacco control and protection from hazardous substances, which have already contributed to saving and prolonging lives. However, the last European action plan against cancer was developed in the early 1990s. Since then, initiatives on cancer prevention and control have included the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer (ECIBC) and the European Cancer Information System (ECIS), both coordinated by the Joint Research Centre. The Health Programme has also contributed to joint actions on European Partnership (EPAAC), comprehensive cancer control (CANCON), Innovative Partnership on Action against Cancer (iPAAC) and the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC).
The world has seen major progress in cancer treatment in the years since those initiatives were launched. Personalised medicine – tailored to individual situations and needs – has radically changed patients' prognoses. Meanwhile, research and innovation with the help of digital technologies, have dramatically advanced our understanding of cancer initiation and progression, prevention and diagnosis.
Europe urgently needs to renew its commitment to cancer prevention, treatment and care that recognises the growing challenges around cancer and reflects the developments in cancer care. A comprehensive approach across government is needed that focuses on the patient and harnesses the potential of new technologies and insights; strengthens cooperation; eradicates inequalities in access to cancer knowledge, prevention, diagnosis and care; and delivers improved health outcomes to patients.
What is the Commission presenting today?
Europe's Beating Cancer Plan is a key pillar of a strong European Health Union, as presented on 11 November 2020, calling for a more secure, resilient and better-prepared European Union.
The Cancer Plan presented today takes a new approach to cancer prevention, treatment and care by maximising the potential of new technologies. It contains concrete, ambitious actions that will support and complement Member States' efforts to reduce the suffering caused by cancer.
Over the coming years, the Cancer Plan will concentrate on research and innovation, and further study the potential of digitalisation and new technologies. The Cancer Plan will mobilise financial instruments to support Member States. With its policy objectives, supported by ten flagship initiatives and multiple supporting actions, the Cancer Plan will help Member States turn the tide against cancer.
It will enable the sharing of expertise and resources across the EU by supporting countries, regions and cities with less knowledge and capacity. The Cancer Plan will help researchers to exchange findings between small and large Member States, and to have access to crucial health data on the potential causes of cancer and promising treatments for it. Through its actions and initiatives, medical staff and hospitals will be able to tap into a wealth of shared information, ensuring that patients across the EU can benefit from better care and treatment.
A broad range of EU policies will support the Cancer Plan with digitalisation, research and innovation as the starting point for a new approach to cancer care in the EU. Actions will range from employment, education, social policy and equality, through marketing, agriculture, energy, the environment and climate, to transport, cohesion policy, and taxation.
Is the Cancer Plan taking into account lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes. The pandemic has significantly affected the entire cancer pathway. It has disrupted cancer treatment, delayed screening, and affected access to medicines. It has also affected the quality of life and follow-up care for patients. The Commission has maintained regular, close contact with stakeholders and targeted consultations have been organised with key associations to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients and treatment.
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