Fighting the good fight: Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

Abstract

Cancer diagnoses are on the rise but survival rates are increasing thanks to advances in scientific and technological innovation, which have presented new prevention and treatment opportunities that are allowing people with cancer to live longer, healthier lives. Sustained research efforts are key to reducing the cancer burden and Europe's Beating Cancer Plan is an important part of the European Commission's (EC) ongoing action against the disease. It was adopted in February 2021 and represents an ongoing commitment to prevent cancer, support equal access to care and improve the lives of the many people affected by cancer. ´This is first and foremost about people. About celebrating and reinforcing resilience and treating cancer as a disease that can and must be overcome. A strong European Health Union is a Union where citizens are protected from avoidable cancers, where they have access to early screening and diagnosis, and where everyone is empowered with access to high quality care, at every step of the way. This is what we want to achieve with our Cancer Plan,´ said Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, upon the Plan's launch. It is structured around prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment and quality of life of cancer patients and survivors and built on 10 flagship initiatives that cover: new technologies, research and innovation; sustainable cancer prevention; improving early detection; ensuring high standards in care; improving quality of life; reducing cancer equalities; and enhancing the focus on childhood cancer.