Why is Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan so important and what has it achieved in its first year?

Two years ago, we launched the work on Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan with a clear goal in mind – making a difference for all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. And last year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched the Cancer Plan to signal our determination to support cancer patients and their families across the EU, to change the realities of this disease for European citizens. This Plan is our commitment to fight against a disease which could, unless we take decisive action, become the leading cause of death in the EU. 

The EU Cancer Beating Plan is one of my most important commitments and responsibilities as Health Commissioner. With a pandemic having affected the cancer community, the sense of urgency of this work has only grown stronger. As many as 1 million cancer cases may not have been diagnosed due to the pandemic. This means one million people who might receive delayed diagnosis, possibly reducing their treatment choices and ultimately their quality of life and chances of survival.

We can turn a crisis into an opportunity. We are seeing that the strength and capacity of EU cooperation and the scientific advancements are significant when we are united and coordinated. I am extremely proud and pleased that despite challenges faced, we have made significant progress within only one year after the adoption of the Cancer Plan.

Just this month, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, we launched four new actions: a Joint Action supporting Member States on HPV vaccination, the Cancer Inequalities Registry, a call for evidence to support our work on cancer screening; and the EU Network for Youth Cancer Survivors. These are all tangible initiatives that will make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones.

We have an unprecedented €4 billion in funding for the Plan over the next years and with €80 million last year, we have launched no fewer than 16 major initiatives under the EU4Health programme. In 2022, another €30 million will be devoted to provide Member States with evidence-based knowledge to further design, plan, and implement prostate, lung, and gastric cancer screenings. We have also started the creation of a Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres that will enable countries to work together to, for example, treat patients with complex conditions, and a training programme to support a high-quality workforce, crucial for high quality care. These are just some of the many actions we have put in motion.

Our work as a team to enable the Cancer Plan to fulfil its ambitions – and our citizens’ expectations – will gain pace as we continue to roll out the Plan. We have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.

What does this year’s World Cancer Day’s theme ‘Close the care gap - women’s health and cancer’ mean to you?

Last week, I hosted an important event featuring personal testimonials from women affected by cancer. I was particularly moved by the solidarity, determination and the bravery of these women, as well as by the healthcare workers and European associations that support them, but they also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, screening programs and treatment options.

During the event we heard how COVID has led to the postponement of surgical interventions, reduced preventive checks and endangered early detection. This will have an important impact on patients' treatment. But not only that. It has also added a new layer of risk for patients, and added to the already substantial worry and stress for families and friends. As we move forward with implementation of the Plan, we will continue the dialogue with cancer patients and carers to make sure their experiences and expertise are fully reflected. 

Participants at the event repeatedly underlined the importance of European cooperation and called for more action on women’s cancers. I add my voice to theirs. I want to say clearly please encourage girls and boys to get vaccinated against HPV, attend your regular screening appointments and listen to your body. These simple measures can save lives. Unfortunately, cancer will not wait for the pandemic to be over.

What developments can we expect over the next twelve months? 

Looking ahead, in 2022 we will continue to push forward our work. Several major new initiatives will be launched this year, focusing on prevention and diagnosis. One of them is the much anticipated update of our recommendations on cancer screening on which we are working very intensively. To do so, we will rely on scientific excellence on how to improve screening programmes, including those for breast and cervical cancer to make sure we get this right.

We will also come forward with proposals that will support our efforts to achieve a tobacco-free Europe and improve prevention through healthy diets, physical activity and clearer food labelling as well as by reducing the exposure to hazardous substances. We will also push forward our work on new technologies and digital solutions and improve the standards of care in the EU. Amongst the many initiatives that will see the light is the European Cancer Imaging Initiative, a flagship action that will develop an EU ‘atlas’ of cancer-related images and make anonymised images accessible to the EUs cancer professionals. 

We had momentum in 2021, and in 2022 it will only be stronger. We continue to make rapid progress to turn all our actions into common achievements.

How does the Commission work with stakeholders to implement the Cancer Plan?

We need the full cooperation and strong commitment of everyone concerned and I am very grateful for the support of all the patient advocates, the researchers, the policy makers and the health professionals who are helping us to translate this Plan into concrete, tangible benefits for citizens.

If the EU truly wants to tackle cancer, to improve research, treatment and care, to reduce cancer inequalities and to deliver concrete, lasting benefits to its citizens, then Europe needs to work together. It is only together that we can make cancer a top health priority across the board.

We are so much stronger as one – when medical professionals, patient advocates and policy makers coordinate, share experience and expertise, and cooperate towards common goals.

This is why we ensure that Member States, stakeholders and citizens are all involved and consulted, at every step of the way.

This is Europe’s Cancer Plan.