4 February - World Cancer Day - Europe's Beating Cancer Plan: Let's strive for more

A joint approach

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.

Europe's Beating Cancer Plan: The Commission launches EU-wide consultation

Europe's Beating Cancer Plan: The Commission launches EU-wide consultation

On 4 February – World Cancer Day – the European Commission launches an EU-wide public consultation on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, at an event which will be opened by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and convened by Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, in the European Parliament.

The event ‘Europe's Beating Cancer Plan: Let's strive for more' will bring together a range of stakeholders, from political leaders to health professionals and NGOs, to collect a broad range of views on the outline of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and help to identify the areas and the scope of future action. While the EU has a long history of fighting cancer, there are still many challenges ahead. Every year, 1.3 million people die from cancer and 3.5 million new cases are diagnosed in the European Union.

Ahead of the event, Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: “Tomorrow we will start our consultation on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan. The success of this plan will depend on the engagement of a wide range of actors. I hope that everyone will participate fully in this process and share their invaluable expertise, experience and insight. We need everyone to contribute and ensure that our Plan is ambitious and far-reaching and has a concrete impact on the lives of our citizens.”