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EUROPA DONNA-The European Breast Cancer Coalition

ED

MISSION: EUROPA DONNA – The European Breast Cancer Coalition (ED) is an independent, non-profit organisation whose members are affiliated groups from countries throughout Europe. ED works to raise public awareness of breast cancer and to mobilise the support of European women in pressing for improved breast cancer education, appropriate screening, optimal treatment and care and increased funding for research. ED works to ensure that advocates are provided with up-to-date, accurate, evidence-based information and training through our education and information programmes listed below. We have more than 30 years of experience in successfully advocating for European policies, legislation and guidelines to guarantee best practice in breast cancer services for women throughout Europe. We also advocate for high level research to improve breast cancer treatment and outcomes for patients. TEN GOALS: See https://www.europadonna.org/about/10-goals/

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Sirpa Pietikäinen (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Oct 2025 · Breast Cancer

Meeting with Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu (Member of the European Parliament)

30 Apr 2025 · Introductory meeting

Meeting with Sirpa Pietikäinen (Member of the European Parliament)

25 Feb 2025 · Breast cancer

Meeting with Aurelijus Veryga (Member of the European Parliament)

12 Feb 2025 · Strengthening Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment, and Policy for a Healthier Future in Europe

Meeting with Stella Kyriakides (Commissioner) and

9 Apr 2024 · Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan; quality of life

Meeting with Stella Kyriakides (Commissioner)

26 May 2023 · Visit to the Europa Donna House

Meeting with Stella Kyriakides (Commissioner) and

2 May 2023 · Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and EU Policy on cancer, including breast cancer

Meeting with Cyrus Engerer (Member of the European Parliament)

29 Jan 2021 · Beating Cancer Committee

Response to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

2 Mar 2020

Europa Donna is Europe’s breast cancer advocacy organisation with member groups in 47 countries including the 27 countries in the EU. We welcome the Beating Cancer Plan and agree with its objective of improving cancer management for all EU citizens. The Commission’s ECIBC is an essential breast cancer initiative and the Plan should ensure its timely completion and work towards its implementation in all EU countries. The roadmap highlights areas for further work in cancer, many of which are also of concern to breast cancer patients and women across Europe. Primary Prevention: the Plan should support and sustain essential prevention programs and see that information about preventing breast cancer is disseminated widely across Europe. 25 to 33 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses could be prevented by engaging in regular physical exercise and maintaining a normal body weight. Breast Health Day is a model program developed by Europa Donna that we believe could be carried out on a wide scale basis in all countries with an investment in resources and a commitment at the EU level. See link: https://prevention.europadonna.org/ *Population based mammography screening programs: these programs need to be implemented according to EU Guidelines across all EU countries. Many countries have implemented services but often not in complete compliance with guidelines; a few EU countries still have not implemented this key service that should be available to women in all EU countries. The Plan needs to set up a system to ensure that all countries can implement screening programs according to new Guidelines developed by the ECIBC. *Access for all women diagnosed with breast cancer to treatment and follow up in multidisciplinary specialist breast units. These units are available in some countries, and in some regions of some countries but not in all. There is still no certification procedure to ensure compliance with EU guidelines. The ECIBC should define this process and work toward its implementation across all EU countries. *Access to services for people living with metastatic breast cancer: the Plan needs to ensure that people diagnosed with MBC have access to care in specialist breast units. Access to appropriate palliative care programs/services must also be available in all countries to all patients when needed. *The Plan should incorporate and ensure delivery of the services that have already been called for in Resolutions (2003 and 2006) and Written Declarations passed by the European Parliament. A Written Declaration on Breast Cancer, was passed in 2010 and in 2015 the European Parliament passed a Written Declaration on the Fight Against Breast Cancer in the European Union (0017/2015) .The 2015 Declaration called for the implementation of nationwide mammography screening, multidisciplinary specialist breast units (SBU’s), access to SBU’s for people with metastatic breast cancer and called on the Commission to ensure an accreditation protocol for breast cancer services. Survivorship: there is still a need for a wide variety of services to support women living with breast cancer in dealing with side effects, psychological distress, financial matters and return to work concerns. The Plan needs to address these issues including the discrimination that may take place in returning to work and that takes place when applying for loans, mortgages, and insurance. Registries: it is essential that quality breast cancer registries for early and advanced breast cancer exist in all EU countries. Research: further breast cancer research needs to be developed and carried out to find cures for the many types of breast cancer that we now know exist. The Plan should ensure the continuation and development of high quality, patient oriented, well co-ordinated research. The Patient Voice should be considered in all aspects of this Plan that will have enormous impact on citizens and patients for many years to come.
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Meeting with Stella Kyriakides (Commissioner) and

5 Feb 2020 · Discussion on Cancer and Europe's Beating Cancer Plan