Health First Europe reports on "Open Forum Debate on Patient Safety" (27 April 2012)

The event was organised by Health First Europe and gathered experts as well as EU institutions' representatives.

New imaging process provides better picture of tumours

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Europe and the world, and early detection and treatment remains vital in the fight. Researchers in Norway have validated a method of non-invasive imaging that they believe will aid in the identification of aggressive tumours.

EU-OSHA presents good practices on health promotion at the workplace

EU-OSHA has published a report that provides good practices on mental health promotion (MHP) at the workplace. The report informs on how to integrate MHP into a comprehensive approach to enhancing and promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of employees at work.

European Medicines Agency releases guideline on medicinal products for the treatment of schizophrenia

The European Medicines Agency has updated its guidance for pharmaceutical companies developing medicinal products for the treatment of schizophrenia.

EUFAMI - World Mental Health Day 2012 - Special Bulletin

In this special issue, EUFAMI is highlighting activities of some of their members on the occasion of the World Mental Health Day 2012.

Europa Donna - The European Breast Cancer Coalition holds Breast Health Day on 15 October

Held every year, Breast Health Day aims to disseminate information concerning breast health and raise awareness of prevention and early detection of breast cancer among women and girls across the globe.

New gene test to detect risk of mouth cancer

Researchers at Queen Mary, University of London in the United Kingdom have developed a test that could potentially allow at-risk patients to receive earlier treatment, significantly improving their chance of survival.

EURORDIS conducts survey on rare disease registries

Rare Disease Patient Registries constitute key instruments for increasing knowledge on rare diseases, for supporting fundamental, clinical and epidemiological research, and for post-marketing surveillance of orphan drugs and of drugs used off-label.

European Medicines Agency publishes active substance list with lead Member State responsible for safety monitoring

The European Medicines Agency has published the first list of active substances contained in authorised medicines for which a lead Member State has been appointed to monitor data in EudraVigilance, in order to validate and confirm signals on behalf of the EU regulatory network.

New rules on importing active pharmaceutical ingredients into the European Union

As of January 2013, all imported active substances will have to be manufactured in compliance with standards of good manufacturing practices (GMP). As of July 2013, this compliance will have to be confirmed in writing by the competent authority of the exporting country.

Orphanet portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs gets a makeover

Orphanet, the European portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs has a new fresher design

Rare diseases: Myeloma Patients Europe launches bulletin

MPE is a patient organisation. It released its first bulletin this summer. It will be followed by a second one in automn

Pharmaceutical industry: Commission sends Statement of Objections on perindopril to Servier and others

The European Commission has informed the French pharmaceutical company Servier and several of its generic competitors of its objections against practices potentially delaying the generic entry of perindopril, a cardio-vascular medicine

The annual EUCERD report on the State of the Art of Rare Disease Activities in Europe

2012 report on the State of the Art of Rare Disease Activities in Europe covers activities up to the end of 2011 and is composed of  5 volumes.

Are you a spectator planning to take part in London 2012? What you should know to enjoy a healthy Olympics

Get yourself a free European Health Insurance Card to access state healthcare in the UK

NEW BROCHURE: Health in the EU - Recent achievements

In this brochure you can read for example how the European Commission has increased your rights to access healthcare abroad and protect you against viruses.

Innovative approaches necessary to boost youth employment in the health sector

The need to adopt innovative approaches and strategies for enhancing youth employment in the health sector was highlighted during the first day of the Informal Meeting of EU Health Ministers, which took place at the ‘Filoxenia’ Conference Centre in Lefkosia (Nicosia)

EU Commission feasibility study: EU-level collaboration on forecasting health workforce needs, workforce planning and health workforce trends

The research draws upon 34 country profiles, 12 case studies and a focus discussion with an expert panel

L-istaġun tal-btajjel: Suġġerimenti utli għal sajf mingħajr inkwiet.

Bil-ftuħ diġà tal-istaġun tal-vaganzi u b’miljuni ta’ Ewropej bil-ħsieb li jivvjaġġaw ġewwa u barra mill-Unjoni Ewropea, hemm ċerti konsiderazzjonijiet tal-ivvjaġġar li kull Ewropew għandu jkun konxju tagħhom

Cypriot EU Presidency: Focusing on organ donation and transplantation

The important issues of organ donation and transplantation, as well as cross-border health threats with particular reference to communication strategies in crisis situations, will be at the top of the agenda as the EU’s Health Ministers hold their Informal Meeting under the Cyprus Presidency

New call for patient and healthcare-professional representatives on European Medicines Agency committees

The European Commission has relaunched its call for expressions of interest from representatives of patient and healthcare-professional organisations who wish to sit on the Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) and the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC)

ACTINOGEN project – Uncovering a hidden source of new antibiotics

With the world in urgent need of new antibiotics to fight a growing range of potentially life-threatening illnesses, a ground-breaking European research project has uncovered a hidden source of antibiotics

European Parliament Roundtable: “Promoting a Cervical Cancer Prevention Strategy for Europe.” [656 KB]

The European Institute of Women's Health organised the roundtable (6 June) and is now releasing its corresponding report. Participants attending the Roundtable discussed the need for a multi-pronged European cervical cancer prevention strategy

PLASTICISE project – New treatments for stroke, Alzheimer's disease and brain injury

Early results of a European-level project have developed treatments that can restore plasticity in adults back to the level seen in children

European Medicines Agency: New pharmacovigilance legislation comes into operation

This means better protection of public health through strengthened EU system for medicines safety

European Parliament: Depressions and suicides, how to reduce the human cost of the crisis

The crisis is increasingly taking its toll on people's mental health. Studies show that for every 1% increase in unemployment, suicide rates go up by 0.8%

European Medicines Agency finalises first set of guidelines on good pharmacovigilance practices

The European Medicines Agency has published the first set of finalised modules of the guideline on good pharmacovigilance practices

Mental Health Europe Conference 2012 promotes fight against inequality and respect for human rights

The conference, which took place on June 15-16 in Split, and gathered close to 200 participants, addressed the topic of social determinants, in a bid to emphasize the role society plays in either reinforcing inequalities, or in combating human rights violations

EU Health Ministers: Cross-border health threats call for cooperation across borders

Responding to cross-border health threats was the recurring theme of the Council Meeting on Health on 22 June 2012

Researchers make progress on early detection of resistance to colorectal cancer drugs

Mutations in a gene called KRAS are causally associated with acquired resistance to targeted therapies for colorectal cancers (CRC), according to new findings from EU-funded researchers from Italy and their research colleagues in the United States

SLIC Campaign on psychosocial risks at work 2012

The Campaign on psychosocial risks developed by the Committee of Senior Labour Inspectors (SLIC) is on-going in the EU-Member States. 22 countries have already reported their progress

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Horizons 2012: Meeting Report and Webstreams now available

The CML Horizons 2012 was organised by the CML Advocates Network, a patient group

European Medicines Agency website on suspected side effect reports now in all 23 EU official languages

The European Medicines Agency has launched its website on suspected side-effect reports for medicines authorised in the European Economic Area (EEA) in the remaining 22 official European Union (EU) languages.

Commissioner Dalli delivers speech on "Healthy and Active Ageing through improved access to affordable generic medicines"

John DALLI, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy delivers speech on the occasion of the 18th European Generic Medicines Association (EGA) Annual Conference, Malta, 15 June 2012

European Medicines Agency finalises guidance on medicines containing monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies that are produced from a single clone of cells and that recognise and attach to a specific target in the body. They are used in some anti-cancer medicines and in medicines against diseases affecting the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Discover how to become a blood donor!

Donations of human blood and plasma form the basis for a wide range of essential, often life-saving, therapies

Il-Jum Dinji tad-Donaturi tad-Demm – id-donaturi tad-demm eroj!

Fil-Jum Dinji tad-Donaturi tad-Demm, bil-motto ta’ din is-sena “Kull donatur tad-demm huwa eroj”, il-Kummissjoni Ewropea qiegħda tisħaq l-importanza ta' forniment sikur ta' demm u tħeġġeġ liċ-ċittadini kollha li jissieħbu ċ-ċrieki ta’ donaturi volontarji responsabbli

The Open Forum of the European Partnership for Action Against Cancer live via webstreaming (19-20 June)

This Open Forum will focus on Health Promotion and Prevention and Information and Data

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patient Group video: what you need to know about adherence to therapy

CML Advocates Network released a video targeting CML patients. The video was developed by a European workgroup of 8 patient advocacy groups and CML experts

Prostate Cancer Foundation: Calculate your prostate cancer risk

A practical, private and simple way of assessing your personal risk of prostate cancer, devised by doctors.

European Medicines Agency: Management Board completes framework for conflicts of interests

New breach of trust procedure for Management Board members completes Agency’s rules on dealing with potential conflicts of interests

European Week Against Cancer 2012: flashmob events organised in major European cities

To mark the occasion, ECL organised a series of flashmobs in major European cities in association with partner organisations. The European Weekend Against Cancer took place 25-31 May 2012

1,000th designation of an orphan medicinal product: improving the lives of patients

The record number reached today of 1000 designations demonstrates that the legal framework for orphan product designations lives up to its potential: not only does it support research, it also helps identify promising products and bolster their development with the goal of market authorisation

EU Health Commissioner Dalli delivers speech on "The European Commission Strategy for the Pharmaceutical Sector"

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attends the 53rd Annual Meeting of the European Association of Full Time Wholesalers (GIRP) Lisbon, Portugal, 04 June 2012

Ombudsman calls for more transparency concerning medicines for children

The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, has called on the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to increase the transparency of its procedures for ensuring that children can benefit from new medicines

New: European database of suspected adverse drug reaction

European Medicines Agency boosts EU transparency with online publication of suspected side effect reports

Myeloma Euronet: patient guide for Myeloma Bone disease and bisphosphonates

This brochure provides information on why myeloma bone disease occurs, how it is diagnosed and monitored and how it is managed and treated

First Epidermolysis bullosa Patient Registry: EBCare.org

International patient advocacy organisations and industry partner launch first patient-reported registry for EB

Patient-friendly summary of recommendations for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia management

To improve the information available to patients, an international CML workgroup of patient organisations and experts have developed a patient-friendly summary of recommendations for CML management. Patient-friendly summaries are in nine languages

European Medicines Agency updates patient and prescriber information for Pradaxa

Data confirm positive benefit-risk balance of anticoagulant medicine, but modifications to product information for clearer guidance needed

European Medicines Agency recommends first-in-class medicine for treatment of cystic fibrosis

New medicine offers therapeutic innovation for treatment of cystic fibrosis; review under accelerated assessment

European Medicines Agency meeting highlights (21-24 May 2012)

Meeting highlights from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). This month's highlights introduce changes based on feedback from journalists and other stakeholders over the last seven months

Joint Action ACCORD starts work on achieving coordination in Organ Donation throughout the EU

The Joint Action between Member States and the European Commission on Achieving Comprehensive Coordination in Organ Donation throughout the European Union (JA ACCORD) is starting in May 2012

EU Commissioner John Dalli delivers speech on rare diseases and orphan products

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attended the 6th European Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Products Brussels, Belgium, 24 May 2012

European Medicines Agency publishes supplementary information on funding for medicine safety studies

The European Medicines Agency has published information on research activities on medicine safety that may be funded by the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme

NGO Healthcare Without Harm releases video promoting the CleanMed Europe sustainable healthcare conference

The CleanMed Europe sustainable healthcare conference will take place in Malmö/Sweden in September 2012

Rare diseases: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patient Group Advocates meet!

The "CML Horizons 2012" conference, held in Munich in May 2012, was a great success, with 86 patient advocates from from 48 countries participating in this meeting

EU Commissioner Dalli delivers speech at 1st dialogue on human health between traditional chinese medicine culture and western medicine

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attends the Dialogue on Human Health between Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture and Western Medicine at the University of Bologna, Italy, 10 May 2012

MEPs want to improve the detection of potentially dangerous medicines

Distilbène, Mediator, Isomeride: they are all drugs once sold legally in Europe but now believed to have provoked serious side effects including hundreds of deaths

EuroparlTV: Liġi ġdida biex twaqqaf pilloli li joqtlu

L-iskandlu ta' Mediator, li bih pilloli li jistgħu jkunu fatali jibqgħu fis-suq jitfa' dawl fuq lakuni fil-liġi tal-UE. Il-MPE qed jivvutaw fuq kontrolli farmaċewtiċi iżjed stretti

European Parliament: towards better detection and EU-wide withdrawal of dangerous medicines

The adverse effects of medicinal products will be better monitored in future, to prevent the recurrence of cases like the French diabetes medicine "Médiator" (benfluorex), which led to many deaths

EU Commissioner Dalli delivers speech on colorectal cancer prevention and screening

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attended European Colorectal Cancer Days in Brno, Czech Republic, 04 May 2012

Can curry help fight cancer? Researchers launch trial to find out

The team, from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom and Cancer Research UK, wants to find out if the effects of curcumin can improve patients' responses to chemotherapy

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control launched slogan contest to promote good hand hygiene practices

On the occasion of the WHO campaign ‘Save Lives: clean your hands’, ECDC is launching a slogan contest open to under- and postgraduate students to help promote ECDC surveillance module on compliance with good hand hygiene practices

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control supports WHO “Save Lives: clean your hands” campaign

As a way to contribute to this important initiative, ECDC launched the third and last wave of data collection for the ECDC point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in European acute care hospitals

International Thalassaemia Day: Thalassaemia International Federation focuses on patients' rights (8 May 2012)

On 8 May 2012, Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) will celebrate International Thalassaemia Day 2012 and will hold a press conference with the theme ‘Patients’ Rights Revisited’. The message of TIF president is available online

Scientists find link between biological processes and young breast cancer patients

Led by the Institut Jules Bordet in Belgium, the researchers discovered that breast cancer in women aged 45 years or younger is enriched with the aggressive basal-like tumours.

Alzheimer Europe contributes to Commission's reflection process on Chronic Diseases

On 30 April, Alzheimer Europe finalised its contribution to the European Commission reflection process on Chronic Diseases.

Commissioner Dalli launched the 4th edition of the EU Health Prize for Journalists

With this prize, the Commission stresses the important role of the media in raising awareness on health issues.

European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) briefing on antimicrobial resistance

EPHA’s briefing describes the causes of AMR; evaluates what is being done at an EU and international level; and explores some of challenges faced today by public health

Action Plan for the EU health workforce adopted as part of the Commission Communication for a job rich recovery in Europe

Disclaimer: This document is a European Commission staff working document for information purposes. It does not represent an official position of the Commission on this issue, nor does it anticipate such a position.

Watch the EU Health Programmes conference live today!

The conference will be broadcasted live. It starts today 3 May at 9.15 and will showcase how EU-added value is delivered in public health across the EU

Newsletter Saħħa-UE 89 - Konferenza ta' Livell Għoli dwar Programmi tas-Saħħa tal-UE (3 ta' Mejju 2012)

Danish public health authority publishes information on MMR vaccination

In new webpages dedicated to MMR vaccination, Danish public health authority explains why it is important to have children vaccinated against measles. Only in Danish.

EuroparlTV: Azzjoni ħarxa kontra l-impjanti perikolużi

Il-membri tal-Parlament Ewropew talbu miżuri stretti biex il-pubbliku jitħares mill-'frodisti' tal-impjanti tas-sider u apparat mediku ieħor.

European Hospital and Healthcare Federation (HOPE) publishes report on the impact of the economic crisis on healthcare systems in Europe

The paper also analyses the measures taken to combat the impact of the financial turmoil on healthcare professionals and patients. The report, entitled "The Crisis, Hospitals and Healthcare," also includes a comparative country study of the situation in 20 European countries and is featured on EPHA website.

ECDC publishes guidelines on planning and implementing communication activities on vaccination

ECDC has issued a report highlighting the importance of building trust for public health organisations in order for them to communicate effectively on immunisation.

European Parliament: PIP breast implants - "learn the lessons of this fraud"

A breast implant register, more stringent checks and product traceability, and a pre-market authorisation system are among the measures proposed by the Environment and Public Health Committee on Wednesday to prevent a recurrence of the PIP defective breast implants case.

Researchers replicate Doctor Who's famous sonic screwdriver

NANOPORATION, which started in 2009 and will run until 2013, brings together researchers from Israel and the United Kingdom with the aim of developing new solutions to overcome the current challenges of cancer chemotherapy.

Youth competition focusing on communication of the European Code Against Cancer

As the official coordinator for the European Week Against Cancer 25-31 May 2012, the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL), along the Italian Cancer League, is organising the “Communicating the Code” Youth Competition. Poster and video submissions accepted until 21 May 2012.

European Medicines Agency: Towards a robust global framework for conduct and oversight of clinical trials

European Medicines Agency publishes reflection paper with practical guidance on the assurance of ethical and GCP standards in the conduct of clinical trials included in marketing authorisation applications submitted in the EU.

European Medicines Agency publishes highlights from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use meeting (April 2012)

EMA lists the opinions adopted at the April 2012 meeting of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and other important outcomes.

ECDC comments on Irish report on the association between 2009 pandemic vaccine and narcolepsy

The report investigates an increase in the incidence of narcolepsy in children and adolescents in 2009 and 2010.

Newsletter Saħħa-UE 88 – Il-Jum Dinji tas-Saħħa 2012: Xjuħija u Saħħa (19 ta’April 2012)

World Health Organization and Alzheimer’s Disease International: New report on dementia

A report released 11 April 2012 by WHO and ADI calls upon governments, policymakers and other stakeholders to make dementia a global public health priority.

European Medicines Agency publishes reflection paper on conduct and oversight of clinical trials

This is the final reflection paper on ethical and good clinical practice (GCP) aspects of clinical trials of medicinal products for human use conducted outside of the European Union and submitted in marketing authorisation applications to the EU regulatory authorities.

EU public consultation on active substances imported into the EU for medicinal products for human use

Deadline: 1 June 2012. The consultation is on the draft template for the written confirmation for active substances imported into the EU for medicinal products for human use

European Cancer Leagues Association (ECL) is organising a flashmob to highlight the European Week against Cancer

The event will take place on 26 May 2012 in Paris, Rome, Ankara, Barcelona and London.

EU-funded NILVAD project for a new treatment in Alzheimer's disease: website now online

NILVAD is a European multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled phase III trial of nilvadipine in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It received funding from the European Commission.

European Federation of Nurses Associations: press release on the World Health Day

On the occasion of the World Health Day 2012, the EFN has developed a press release in order to highlight the importance of this year’s theme “Ageing and Health”.

Mental Health Europe discusses mental health impact of financial crisis in Public Service Review

MHE Senior Policy Adviser Josée Van Remoortel explains why it is crucial that mental health be put high on the political agenda when handling the financial crisis

International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO) Patient-Centred Healthcare Indicators Review

The Review aims to identify and explore current efforts to measure the patient-centredness of healthcare providers, organizations, national health systems and other stakeholders involved in healthcare provision.

European Patients'Forum: Report on the conference dedicated to older patients available (12-13 July 2011)

EPF report: EPF/FPP Conference under the Polish EU Presidency. A first step into the rights and needs of older patients

Study finds fast food consumption raises depression risk

Eating fast food will increase your risk of suffering from depression, a new Spanish study has found.

Low protein level triggers TAR syndrome

A European team of scientists has discovered that thrombocytopenia with absent radii (TAR), a rare inherited blood and skeletal disorder, is triggered by low levels of the protein Y14.

Scientists get closer to more accurate cancer diagnosis

Researchers in France and the United Kingdom have identified a link between a chromosomal abnormality and a greater risk of dying in children suffering from a deadly form of brain cancer.

JRC researchers test alternative method for producing a radioisotope for cancer radiotherapy

Experimental results on a new method for the production of Cu-67, based on deuteron irradiation of an isotopically enriched Zn-70 target, have been published by researchers at the Joint Research Centre.

European Federation of Nurses Associations publication: Caring in crisis

EFN report on the impact of the financial crisis on nurses and nursing.

Study finds dense tissue and age link behind recurring breast cancer

Age and breast tissue play a significant role in whether breast cancer will recur, new Swedish research shows.

New diagnostic test for oesophageal cancer

European scientists have made a major breakthrough in the development of a diagnostic test for oesophageal cancer that will hopefully lead to improvements in diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Newsletter Saħħa-UE 87 - L-ekonomija tal-kura tas-saħħa (it-22 ta' Marzu 2012)

EU research: Uncovering drugs that boost cognitive function

Researchers have discovered that there are a number of drugs that give cognitive function a boost.

ECDC Director stresses 'one health' approach to tackle antimicrobial resistance problems in humans and animals

The Danish EU Presidency invited ECDC to join a European conference on antimicrobial resistance.

EU Commissioner for Health, John Dalli, about the review of the clinical trials directive

The Commission is preparing a proposal for the revision of the Clinical Trials Directive for later this year.

Combating antimicrobial resistance is a matter of life or death, says Danish Presidency of the EU Council

The Danish Presidency is aiming for the Council to conclude on common EU measures for combating antimicrobial resistance.

Schools for Health in Europe (SHE) organises Youth “Anti-Cancer Contest”

The aim is to create the most effective poster or video communicating how cancer can be prevented, by using one or more messages in the European Code Against Cancer. Deadline: 17 April.

EU Commissioner for Health, John Dalli, delivers speech on "Clinical Trials Directive – Meeting Patients' Needs"

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, attends a joint event organised by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations and the Roche Group; Brussels, Belgium, 07 March 2012.

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing threat to health says Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU

Every year more than 25,000 European citizens die from infections caused by bacteria that have developed resistance towards antimicrobials.

Study says men who smoke are more likely to develop dementia

A new study from University College London, led by Dr. Severine Sabia, shows that men who smoke are more likely to develop dementia later in life.

Newsletter Saħħa-UE 86 – Il-Jum Internazzjonali tan-Nisa (8 ta' Marzu 2012)

EU publication: Investing in well-being at work

Addressing psychosocial risks in times of change.

Il-Kummissjoni tipproponi aċċess aktar malajr għall-mediċini għall-pazjenti

Il-mediċini għandhom jiddaħħlu fis-suq aktar malajr. Huwa b'dan il-ħsieb li l-Kummissjoni Ewropea llum ipproponiet li jitnaqqas u jiġi simplifikat it-tul tad-deċiżjonijiet nazzjonali dwar l-ipprezzar u r-rimborż tal-mediċini.

Karolinska Institutet coordinates international research on neurodegenerative diseases

It will coordinate a major EU research project on neurodegenerative diseases involving 22 countries.

HeadSmart child brain tumour awareness initiative launched in Europe

The new pan-European HeadSmart campaign has been launched today on Rare Disease Day, to raise awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours in children and young people.

Top experts guide international effort in rare diseases research

Chaired by the European Commission, the Executive Committee of the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC) appointed today 31 class-leading experts to help guide its members' future research efforts.

Today is the World Rare Disease Day - Watch the videos on European activities for rare diseases

Videos on projects in the area of rare diseases and medicines for rare diseases at European level.

World Rare Disease Day (29 February 2012) - Read the dedicated Health-EU newsletter

Fighting breast cancer: new EU-funded biomarker project kicks off

A new EU-funded biomarker project that aims to get breast cancer therapy more tailored to individual patients has just got under way. By ensuring that the therapy is specifically designed with an individual patient in mind, medical practitioners can bypass ineffective treatments - saving both valuable time and energy.

Video - Xplore Health: Skin cancer exposed

Investigate new technologies that are being developed to detect melanoma early.

European Week Against Cancer - “Communicating the Code” Youth Competition

As part of the activities for the European Week Against Cancer 25 – 31 May this year, young people between 11 and 18 years are invited to submit a poster or video on a message from the European Code Against Cancer  by Tuesday 17 April 2012.

International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day: What's Your Story?

Paul Catana tells his story. If you have a story about childhood cancer you'd like to share, send it to the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) for publication on their website and other publications.

Putting EU cancer legislation in the spotlight

Children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer face an additional challenge: EU legislation has had a negative impact on the treatment received by these patients. This is the message that was presented at International Childhood Cancer Day, a European Parliament event that brought together key figures in Brussels, Belgium on 15 February.

Euromelanoma is new partner of the European Cancer Leagues

Euromelanoma is a new partner in the EPAAC work package on Health Promotion and Cancer Prevention being led by ECL. "Euromelanoma is a pan-European campaign for skin cancer prevention that aims to give information to everybody on skin cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment."

ECDC publishes reports on healthcare-associated infections in Europe

The reports include data from HAI-Net surveillance on healthcare-associated infections in Europe for 2007 and on surgical site infections in Europe for 2008–2009. ECDC also publishes the HAI-Net protocol for surveillance of surgical site infections in European hospitals.

Konferenza ta' livell għoli dwar il-Programmi tas-Saħħa tal-UE: riżultati u perspettivi futuri (3 ta' Mejju 2012) - Irreġistra issa!

Il-Kummissjoni se turi r-riżultati u l-istejjer li rnexxew mill-1 u t-2 Programmi tas-Saħħa, se taqsam l-opinjonijiet u tibni kunsens għat-3 Programm tas-Saħħa.

European Medicines Agency publishes guideline on use of pharmacogenetics in evaluating pharmacokinetics of medicines

The European Medicines Agency has published a guideline advising pharmaceutical companies how to integrate studying the role of genetic variability between patients during the development of medicines.

Launch of the Research Strategy of the European Joint Programming Initiative in Neurodegenerative Disease Research

Speech from Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science.

Piecing together a genetic puzzle

Alcohol and cancer the forgotten link

4th of February marked the World Cancer Day, this disease is the leading cause of death in several European countries. Nearly 25 years after the first conclusive links between alcohol and cancer were established, awareness about the links is alarmingly low.

Early detection of common cancers

World Cancer Day - "Together it is possible"

This was the 2012 theme for World Cancer Day, reinforcing that it is only by every person, organization, and government individually doing their part that the world will be able to reduce premature deaths from cancer and other noncommunicable diseases.

Video - 7 Days: How can we combat antibiotic resistance?

Publication of the EU Health Prize for Journalists booklet

You can read all the national finalists' articles in the booklet of the 2011 edition.

Commissioner Dalli visits the European Medicines Agency in London

On the occasion of the Commissioner's visit to EMA, the European Commission is launching a video to explain to citizens the system of authorisation for all medicines circulating in the European Union.

European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI) launched on 1st February 2012

Better protection of public health: European Medicines Agency counts down to introduction of new pharmacovigilance legislation

EU Health Prize for Journalists: Mateja Grošelj won 3rd prize!

The 3rd prize went to Mateja Grošelj for her article "From Lojze to Ludvika" on breast cancer, published in the Vecer Weekly newspaper.

EU Health Prize for Journalists: Rita Makarész won 2nd prize!

Rita Makarész won 2nd prize for her article on the importance of exercise in helping tackle depression. "The cheapest antidepressant", published on www.orvostkeresek.hu.

EU Health Prize for Journalists: Ben Hirschler and Kate Kelland won 1st prize!

Ben Hirschler and Kate Kelland won 1st prize for their article on antimicrobial resistance. "When the drugs don't work", published by Reuters.

Commission announces winners of the 3rd EU Health Prize for Journalists

Last night, four prizes were awarded to European journalists for the best articles on health issues. The main theme of the Prize was the 'Europe for Patients' campaign.

Study finds link between molecular signature and Alzheimer's

Scientists in Finland have discovered how a biochemical signature can potentially predict progression to Alzheimer's disease.

Video: Safe medicines for the EU (subtitled versions in 21 languages)

This short video describes the work of the European Commission to ensure the safety and quality of medicines in all EU Member States.

Neurostemcell advances stem cell therapy research

Maximising prospects for successful clinical trials of stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's and Parkinson's is possible through solid cooperation between experimental and clinical researchers.

Taking the first step on the road to cancer control

The UN Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases opened a window of opportunity for decisive action to set poorer countries on the road towards sustainable cancer control.

EU study assesses obesity prevalence rates

Researchers believe obesity raises people's risk of suffering from chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

While epidemics have not yet started across Europe there is still time to protect yourself against influenza

During the influenza season citizens should adopt preventative measures recommended by their national authorities. These include personal hygiene measures and vaccination for those recommended. Vaccination is the single most effective way to prevent serious illness.

Linking up cancer registries: EU-funded project on track

Taking stock on the progress of an EU-funded project that aims to link up European cancer registries was the aim of a recent summit organised by the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO).

Mental Health and Human Rights – a hidden emergency

WHO has launched its QualityRights Project, which aims to improve the quality and human rights conditions in mental health and social care facilities and empower civil society organizations to advocate for the rights of people with mental and psychosocial disabilities.

EU-funded scientists uncover gene that causes spread of skin cancer

A new EU-funded study has pinpointed the specific gene that must be present before malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, can spread.

Alzheimer Europe survey shows overwhelming public support for greater investment in dementia care and research

Results of an international survey reveal that the majority of respondents in each of the five countries surveyed wish to see government spending increased both on research into treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and caring for people with this condition.

Scientists find way to design new brain drugs

A Belgian-British team of researchers has found a way to design drugs able to target specific areas of the brain.

Fighting Parkinson's with carbon nanoparticles

The study is an outcome of the NOBLESSE ('Nanotechnology, biomaterials and alternative energy source for the European Research Area (ERA))' project.

Study suggests link between early Alzheimer's disease and low body mass index (BMI)

People in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease may be more likely to have a lower body mass index according to a study published in Neurology (Monday 21 November 2011).

Health professional mobility and health systems. Evidence from 17 European countries

This publication presents research on the gaps in knowledge about the numbers, trends, impacts and policy responses to this dynamic situation, in particular in Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Antimicrobial resistance: frequently asked questions

Read the frequently asked questions about antimicrobial resistance published by WHO.

Prognostic and predictive markers in colorectal cancer: implications for clinical management

Efforts to find genetic patterns may offer the basis for identifying subgroups of colorectal cancer similar to those now used in breast cancer.

Reducing cancer: international community moves from resolution to action

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and its partners, including WHO, have developed a resolution that specifies the actions governments and societies should take to reduce preventable deaths from cancer.

Scientists investigate how genetic factors influence depression

French researchers have been investigating the amygdala, a part of the brain that is hyperactive in individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression, and have found that genetic factors have an influence on patient's cerebral activity.

Patient perspective on antimicrobial resistance – a video documentary

This year, a new video produced by Euronews in collaboration with ECDC features real life examples of the experiences of patients affected by resistant bacteria.

European Antibiotic Awareness Day 2011: ECDC releases new surveillance data and real life stories of patients with resistant bacteria

On the occasion of the 4th European Antibiotic Awareness Day, ECDC releases new European-wide surveillance data on antibiotic resistance from the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS-Net).

Long-term mental health care for people with severe mental disorders

The provision of long-term mental health care for people with severe mental disorders has been, and still is, one of the major challenges for mental health systems reform in the last decades, for various reasons.

Role of stem cells in mammary gland development

A European team of scientists has identified new populations of breast stem cells that guarantee the creation, expansion and maintenance of the diverse cell lineages of the mammary gland during pregnancy and throughout life

Commission organised journalist workshop on organ donation and transplantation

On 18th October, the European Commission organised a second journalist workshop on organ donation and transplantation in Europe. The programme, contacts, testimony and articles are available on the European Commission dedicated web-page.

ECHI - Indicators on breast, cervical and colon cancer screening updated

Minister calls for new approaches on antipsychotic drugs reduction

Last November the Department of Health set a target to reduce antipsychotic prescriptions to people with dementia by two thirds in a year.

Stress code in the spotlight

Researchers at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom have identified a specific protein generated by the brain in response to stress. Their findings could help boost our understanding of stress-related psychiatric diseases in people, particularly in knowing how the human brain deals with stress and how it eases its impact.

Women and cancer: screening and treatment save lives

One in five women in the WHO European Region will get cancer before the age of 75.

Filmat dwar id-drittijiet tal-pazjenti għall-kura tas-saħħa bejn pajjiż u ieħor

Dan il-filmat jagħti daqqa t'għajn lejn il-liġi tal-UE li tiċċara d-dritt tal-pazjenti li jiġu kkurati f'pajjiż ieħor u li jirċievu r-rimborż tal-ispejjeż.

It-tnedija ta' filmat dwar il-mard rari

Ġie ppreżentat filmat li jippreżenta l-inizjattivi Ewropej għall-mard rari u lill-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa u l-Konsumaturi, is-Sur John Dalli, matul il-Konferenza dwar il-Mard Rari 2011.

Press pack - Cluster meeting of projects in the area of rare diseases (Luxembourg, 25 – 26 October 2011)

The European Commission Public Health Programme defines rare diseases as life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases which are of such low prevalence that special combined efforts are needed to address them. The term low prevalence is later defined as generally meaning fewer than 1 in 2,000 people.

IQ rises and falls during teenage years

Teenage years are all about changes in development, hormones and stress. But that is not all. New research from the United Kingdom shows how the intelligence quotient (IQ), a score generated from one of several different standardised tests designed to assess intelligence, can either significantly rise or fall during adolescence.

Orphanet Report on rare disease research, its determinants in Europe and the way forward

Study suggests chemotherapy during pregnancy won't affect baby

Scientists in Belgium, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands have discovered that the development of the babies' mental processes as well as the normal functioning of their hearts remains intact.

Blood, tissues and organs

Second Journalist Workshop - Organ donation and transplantation Programme and list of contact points available

Global Mental Health 2011

The subjects of the papers were chosen after consultation with the Movement for Global Mental Health, an international coalition of professionals and the public that is committed to improving access to mental health care and promoting the human rights of people affected by mental illness worldwide.

Scientists say high blood pressure could raise cancer risk

Researchers in Europe have discovered that high blood pressure potentially raises the risk of developing cancer or dying from the disease.

European Medicines Agency releases qualification opinion on diagnosis of pre-dementia Alzheimer's for public consultation

The European Medicines Agency is seeking opinions from the public on a qualification opinion describing a biomarker to help identify patients who can be recruited for clinical trials of treatments for early Alzheimer's disease.

Epigenetic impact on neuropsychiatric disorders

Neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are influenced by epigenetic processes, new research from the United Kingdom shows.

Self-assessed poor health could be an indicator of dementia risk

People who rate their health as poor or fair are significantly more likely to develop dementia later in life according to a study published online in Neurology

World Mental Health Day – 10 October

The time to remind ourselves and others that mental health is an important aspect of general health – a value that should not be underestimated. The workplace can be a particularly important setting to maintain good mental health through both prevention of psychosocial risks and promotion of mental health.

One in four people will require mental health care

New figures from the WHO Mental Health Atlas 2011 indicate that while the need for mental health care is large, with up to 25% of the population requiring it at some point in their lives, there is underinvestment in the sector.

Join the Council of Europe to celebrate European Day for Organ Donation & Transplantation (EODD)

The need for organ transplants is increasing worldwide. The ongoing lack of available organs has resulted in an increase in the number of patients on the waiting list.

Connection between healthy ageing and neurodegenerative disorders

An international team of researchers partially funded by the EU has uncovered new information linking healthy ageing and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Breast cancer: the advantage of early detection

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women both in developed and developing countries.

EUCERD Report: Health indicators for rare diseases II - Conceptual framework for monitoring quality of care

Research advances understanding of nerve cell death in Alzheimer’s

Scientists have moved forward in their understanding of how nerve cells are killed during Alzheimer’s disease, according to research published in the Journal of Neuroscience

Medical Tourism: Treatments, Markets and Health System Implications: A scoping review

International trade in health services, including its most prominent component ‘medical tourism’, has attracted a great deal of policy interest and media attention in recent years.

Delivering affordable cancer care in high-income countries

The burden of cancer is growing rapidly, and the disease is becoming a major challenge for all developed countries.

Alzheimer's Society website wins top accolade

Alzheimer's Society’s website has been named as one of the top ten health and medical online sites in 2011.

World Alzheimer's Day

Every year on 21 September Alzheimer associations across the globe unite to recognise World Alzheimer's Day and 2011 will be no exception with events taking place internationally.

Spotlight on EU-funded projects on World Alzheimer's Day

Every year on 21 September on World Alzheimer's Day, sufferers of the condition around the world are honoured and recognised in a drive to push Alzheimer's research to the top of policymaker agendas.

Building a Highly Qualified Workforce for Health

As part of the overall joint action for the EU workforce for health, the EFN together with the Polish Nurses Association, a member of EFN, and the Department of Nurses and Midwives at Polish Ministry of Health, is organising a European debate of nurses and politicians on “Building a Highly Qualified Workforce for Health”.

Global analysis of breast and cervical cancer

the article provides the first global analysis, with findings that most new cases of breast cancer and cervical cancer occurred in developing countries, and there has been a surprising rise in diagnoses of women of reproductive age.

Researchers identify two-tier system in brain tumours

Presented in the journal Cancer Cell, the study reveals that based on the anomalies of their genetic material, ependymomas of the cerebellum are classified in two distinct subgroups: group A ependymomas, and group B ependymomas. The former assume negative characteristics while the latter have a positive prognosis.

Up to 27 million people living with undiagnosed dementia worldwide, says report

Three-quarters of the estimated 36 million people with dementia worldwide do not have a formal diagnosis, according to a major new report published.

Ex-smokers are Unstoppable! Commissioner Dalli presents next steps in the

Mr Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy presents the next phase in the EU-wide "Ex-smokers are Unstoppable" campaign. The campaign is about empowering people to quit smoking by showing the benefits of life without tobacco.

Alzheimer's Society urges people to sign up to Dementia Awareness Day’s Facebook page

Alzheimer's Society is supporting a new dementia awareness event, Dementia Awareness Day (DAD), which is taking place on Saturday 17 September 2011.

Public not aware of simple steps they can take to reduce risk of dementia, according to new research study

Only one in ten people realise that taking regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce their risk of developing dementia, according to a survey commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society and Bupa.

Touch-screen test could play role in diagnosis of dementia

The touch screen test - CANTAB - which involves a visual memory test will be trialled by a UK GP Commissioning Board. It will be made available to people aged over 50 who either self-refer to their family doctor, or who are advised to do so by a carer, with suspected Alzheimer's disease.

Organ donations: The gift of life

Despite the EU Action Plan on organ donation, there are still sharp differences in the levels of donations and successful transplants between member states. Euranet investigates the current system of organ donation and asks what can be done to improve it.

Launched the Task Force on Patient Safety

Health First Europe together with Task Force Patron MEP Christofer Fjellner (EPP, Sweden), launched the Task Force on Patient Safety to demand more stringent recommendations for Member States with regards to the safety of patients.

More than one in ten of the world’s adult population is obese

Obesity increases the risk of developing a number of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and some cancers.

Securing quality cancer care: Governments must step up to the plate

The OECD recently made a cross-country analysis of how cancer care systems work in an attempt to explain variations in cancer survival in Europe.

Higher density of blood vessels could point to Alzheimer’s

A higher density of blood vessels in the brain could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease according to research published in the Public Library of Science ONE online.

Think yourself better

In oncology, the contribution of the human touch which alternative medical treatments offer, and the placebo effect they induce, can be easy to overlook.

Scientists find elusive gene responsible for rare congenital disease

A Franco-British team of researchers has discovered a mysterious gene responsible for the extremely rare congenital Grey Platelet Syndrome that causes a bleeding disease.

Unshackling progress in the care of childhood cancers

A meeting held in the run up to International Childhood Cancer Day reviewed how well we are doing to help young cancer patients.

The European Patients' Forum to coordinate an "Innovative Medicines Initative" project about patients information on pharmaceuticals

IMI-funded 'European Patients Academy on Therapeutic Innovation' aims to educate patient advocates and lay public about therapeutic innovation.

WHO Europe: New tool to help hospitals prepare for emergencies

The tool can help hospital administrators and emergency managers to respond effectively to the most likely disaster and crisis scenarios.

Study examines method for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists at The University of Manchester have discovered that measurements of brain activity could be used to predict Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild memory problems.

The European Union Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases: August Newsletter

Orphanet is the reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orphanet’s aim is to help improve the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with rare diseases. It publishes a bi-monthly newsletter which gives an overview of scientific and political current affairs in the field of rare diseases and orphan drugs.

Call for proposals for the Innovative Medicines Initiative

The Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking (IMI JU) is a pan-European public private partnership aiming to foster collaboration between relevant stakeholders, from large and small biopharmaceutical and healthcare companies to regulators, academia and patients.

Peptides for fighting ovarian cancer developed by EU-funded researchers

A team of German and Italian EU-funded scientists has designed peptides that can target the protein-protein interface of an enzyme that plays a key part in the DNA synthesis crucial for cancer growth.

Book published about personal experience of living with Alzheimer’s disease

Norm Mcnamara has written about his experience of living with Alzheimer’s disease in the book entitled “Me and My Alzheimer’s”. Mr McNamara said, “At the age of 50yrs old I was diagnosed with Alzheimers, I am now 53yrs old and have every intention of beating it!!

Study explores the effectiveness of music intervention against agitated behaviour in people with dementia

A study on 100 elderly people with dementia has found that agitated behaviour can be alleviated by group music intervention.

Launch of EU-funded 'ecancerHub' website

A new hub of information for those affected by cancer has just been launched, providing an open-access, integrated approach to providing the whole cancer community with high-quality and trustworthy information.

International survey highlights great public desire to seek early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

Results of an international survey reveal that over 85% of respondents in the five countries surveyed say that if they were exhibiting confusion and memory loss, they would want to see a doctor to determine if the cause of the symptoms was Alzheimer’s disease.

2011 Report on the State of the Art of Rare Diseases Activities in Europe - European Union Committe of Experts on Rare Diseases

This report covers activities up to the end of 2010. The report is composed of 3 parts which are now available via the EUCERD website.

New way to reverse the effects of memory decline discovered, research says

A hypertension drug could reverse the effects of memory decline.

Three year programme launched for the development of donation & transplantation activities

Promoting and improving the organisation of organ donation and transplantation at a European level is a real concern and the subject of much effort by the Council of Europe since 1987. Over the last few years, the Council of Europe has implemented several projects, mainly directed towards the development of effective legislative frameworks and the establishment of national transplant authorities and programmes.

Research leading the way in the fight to reduce antipsychotics for people with dementia

Three groundbreaking, Alzheimer's Society-supported clinical trials are helping in the fight to reduce the unacceptable levels of inappropriate prescriptions of antipsychotics for people with dementia

Study uncovers new Parkinson's gene

Researchers led by the Medical University of Vienna in Austria have identified a new gene called VPS35 that impacts Parkinson's disease.

International survey highlights great public desire to seek early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

Results from Europe and U.S. highlight interest in early diagnosis despite wide fear of and familiarity with the condition.

Public consultation opens on the revised guideline on good distribution practice of medicinal products for human use

The guideline was revised to take into account developments in the storage and distribution of medicinal products in the European Union and to meet new requirements for wholesale distributors and brokers established in the new Directive 2011/62/EU on falsified medicines. Comments and suggestions are invited by 31 December 2011.

European Medicines Agency plans public access to information on side effects

The European Medicines Agency has published its plans for granting public access to the information held in its databases of the potential side effects of human and veterinary medicines.