Conference - Europe's Beating Cancer Plan: Let's strive for more

About the event

On 4 February – World Cancer Day – the European Commission started its outreach on Europe’s Cancer Plan at an event in the European Parliament in Brussels, supported by the MEPs Against Cancer Interest Group. While the EU has a long history in the fight against cancer, there are still many challenges ahead. This event aimed to demonstrate the EU’s strong commitment to fighting cancer and to harness the collective power for positive change.

Read the programme.

Participants

The half day event brought together a range of stakeholders including political leaders, representatives from international organisations, health ministries, leading academics, scientists and health professionals, the private sector and NGOs as well as cancer patients and survivors, who shared their personal testimonials.

Rationale

A new case of cancer is diagnosed in the EU every 9 seconds. It is the second leading cause of mortality after cardiovascular disease and it places a massive burden on our health and social systems, puts pressure on governmental budgets and negatively impacts the productivity and growth of the economy, including a healthy workforce.

Tackling cancer is of fundamental importance for Europe’s future. By 2035, there will be a doubling of cancer cases and an estimated 40% of the population will face cancer at some point in their lives. However, at the same time 40% of all cancers can be prevented if we implement what we know already. With these numbers in mind and the different approaches from Member States, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has tasked Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, with the launch of an ambitious cancer plan.

Europe’s Cancer Plan will propose actions at every key stage of the disease: prevention (lifestyle, pollution, vaccination), diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.