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European Cancer Organisation

E.C.O.

The European Cancer Organisation is a not-for-profit federation that unites oncology professionals and patients to reduce cancer burden and improve care across Europe.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Majdouline Sbai (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

27 Jan 2026 · SANT opinion on gender inequalities

Meeting with Yvan Verougstraete (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and European Chemical Industry Council and

27 Jan 2026 · European Competitiveness Fund

European Cancer Organisation demands stricter limits on carcinogenic advertising

21 Dec 2025
Topic — The European Commission is evaluating and updating rules governing audiovisual media services.
Message — The organization advocates for the directive to explicitly recognize cancer prevention as a core public interest objective. They request robust restrictions on advertising carcinogenic substances that reach any individuals under eighteen.123
Why — Unified European standards would ensure consistent public health protections across all member states.4
Impact — The tobacco and alcohol industries would lose marketing channels targeting youth and women.5
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Meeting with Idoia Mendia (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

9 Dec 2025 · Chemical Omnibus

European Cancer Organisation urges EU to champion global cancer action

28 Nov 2025
Topic — EU's next long-term budget for external action and global development programs.
Message — The organization requests EU support for integrating candidate countries into cancer cooperation initiatives, rebuilding Ukraine's cancer infrastructure, and leading global cancer control through development assistance. They advocate for targeted funding to improve cancer care accessibility in low- and middle-income countries.123
Why — This would expand their influence in EU enlargement countries and strengthen their role in global cancer policy.45
Impact — Cancer patients in low-income countries lose without targeted EU development assistance for treatment access.67
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Response to EU’s next long-term budget (MFF) – EU funding for cross-border education, training and solidarity, youth, media, culture, and creative sectors, values, and civil society

25 Nov 2025

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) welcomes the European Commission consultation on the EUs next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), including EU funding for cross-border education, training and solidarity, young people, media, culture, and the creative sectors, values, and civil society. Europes Beating Cancer Plan provided a landmark approach to EU health policy, with ambitious goals and targets for all countries to achieve together in improving cancer care and control. In doing so, it recognised the need for a whole-of-EU approach by all Commission Directorates-General and funding programmes towards goals such as HPV cancer elimination, the creation of a tobacco-free generation, and the reduction of inequalities in cancer care. In this spirit, ECO emphasises the importance of the proposed AgoraEU programme in delivering progress in areas relevant to cancer care, such as: 1. Combatting health mis- and disinformation 2. Tackling societal inequalities, including those evident in cancer care 3. Promoting a responsible audiovisual media sector, in which children are protected from irresponsible marketing of health-harming products such as tobacco, alcohol, and junk food On combatting health mis- and disinformation The Commissions proposed European Democracy Shield is much needed to prevent and reduce the destabilising impact of online disinformation. This already undermines public confidence in achieving the EUs HPV cancer elimination goal. ECO sees value in the European Code of Conduct on Disinformation and the Digital Services Act, but further support is needed to implement their vision effectively. We encourage future workplans of AgoraEU and MEDIA+ to be directed towards this, including specific support for efforts to tackle vaccine mis- and disinformation, including HPV and Hepatitis vaccines. More remains to be achieved in educating all age groups, as well as harder-to-reach groups, to identify false narratives. EU-supported initiatives, including those developed in recent years such as PROTECT-EUROPE, could be revisited and strengthened. Studies into sources of vaccine disinformation, especially from beyond the EU, would be welcome. On tackling social inequalities ECO recognises that AgoraEU should support the ambitions of the EU on key policy agendas, including the Union of Equality, the EU Gender Equality Strategy, the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the EU Anti-Racism Strategy. It should be strongly encouraged that such strategies, and connected initiatives supported via AgoraEU and CERV+, embrace the need to tackle inequalities in access to and delivery of health and cancer care. In doing so, synergy with initiatives such as Europes Beating Cancer Plan, the future European Cardiovascular Health Plan, and others can be achieved. On promoting a responsible audiovisual media sector ECO welcomes AgoraEUs focus on supporting the EU audiovisual media sector. Future work programmes should ensure a responsible sector that protects children from exposure to marketing of health-harming products such as tobacco, alcohol, HFSS foods, and newer products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. WHO data show children and adolescents are heavily exposed to digital marketing of harmful products, increasingly personalised, gendered, and targeted via social media, influencers, programmatic advertising, and video-sharing platforms. AgoraEU and MEDIA+ should emphasise responsibility within the sector, including monitoring and research on adherence to legal and moral responsibilities.
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European Cancer Organisation demands €2 billion ring-fenced cancer fund

11 Nov 2025
Topic — The consultation addresses EU funding for competitiveness in the next long-term budget.
Message — ECO calls for a dedicated health budget and a ring-fenced €2 billion Cancer Fund. They also urge the Commission to establish a European Cancer Institute and sustain the cancer research mission.12
Why — This would prevent cancer initiatives from being sidelined or diluted within broader economic funds.34
Impact — Other sectors like biotechnology and agriculture lose potential funding from the shared competitiveness cluster.5
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Response to EU’s next long-term budget (MFF) – EU funding for civil protection, preparedness and response to crises

7 Nov 2025

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the European Commissions consultation on future crisis and preparedness funding. ECO strongly support the establishment and long-term continuity of a robust EU funding stream dedicated to health system preparedness. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated both the necessity and value of EU-level coordination, solidarity, and investment in cross-border health resilience. It also revealed persistent gaps that must be addressed if the European Union is to be fully prepared for future health crises. The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care across Europe was profound and severe. Our work showed that, during the pandemic, 1.5 million fewer people were seen by specialists, 100 million cancer screening tests were missed, and up to 1 million cancers may have gone undiagnosed due to deferred testing and care . Future preparedness funding must acknowledge the impact on cancer of health crises and build long-term capacity to maintain essential services, including cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care, during periods of system shock. A central lesson of the pandemic was the absence of timely, comparable, and accessible data. Countries lacked real- or near-real-time information on cancer service disruption, stage of diagnosis, treatment delays, and screening and vaccination uptake. EU-level support is needed to enable Member States to modernise health and oncology data systems, including interoperability, data linkage, and rapid reporting capacity. ECO strongly recommends that EU-coordinated collection, analysis, and publication of cancer-relevant indicators be maintained as a core, financially supported dimension of future preparedness work. Such indicators would include numbers of cancer diagnoses, stage of diagnosis, as well as more real (or near real) time data on levels of vaccine (e.g. HPV and HBV) and screening programme take-up. This should involve structured collaboration across Eurostat, the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and other relevant bodies, to ensure comprehensive and consistent cancer data across the EU. Furthermore, ECO urges that the remit and resourcing of the ECDC be enhanced to support long-term and enhanced tracking of vaccination uptake, not only for COVID-19 but also for vaccines relevant to cancer prevention, such as HPV and Hepatitis B (HBV). These vaccinations form a core part of cancer control and should be subject to the same monitoring rigour demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant but under-addressed element of health crisis preparedness is workforce resilience. Europe is experiencing profound shortages in the oncology and wider health workforce, with projections indicating severe gaps in the coming decade . Preparedness must include mechanisms for monitoring, anticipating, and responding to workforce pressures. In the context of the next EU budget, and proposed crisis and preparedness funding, ECO calls for Eurostat, HERA, and relevant partners to be mandated and resourced to develop a strengthened system for monitoring health and oncology workforce capacity, forecasting shortages, and coordinating EU-level responses. Meaningful stakeholder involvement is also critical to effective crisis governance. ECO highlights the need for stronger structured stakeholder engagement mechanisms within key governance bodies of the Civil Protection Mechanism and EU health security architecture, including the HERA Board, Health Security Committee, ECDC and EMA advisory processes. Cancer and patient organisations should have formal channels to provide expertise during preparedness planning and emergency response, and the agencies involved should be adequately resourced to enable such stakeholder involvement mechanisms. Finally, ECO recognises and commends the EUs essential role in medical evacuation during crises, including actions taken to
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Meeting with Per Clausen (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

5 Nov 2025 · Cancer and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), simplifying procedures on chemicals and CMRD

Meeting with Per Clausen (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

5 Nov 2025 · Discussion the revision on ECHA

European Cancer Organisation urges dedicated oncology funding in EU budget

31 Oct 2025
Topic — The consultation concerns the framework for the EU’s post-2027 long-term budget and funding.
Message — The organisation requests raising the social spending target to 20% to ensure dedicated oncology funding. They propose defining cancer care as a core social objective within regional partnership plans. Additionally, they suggest incorporating screening programs and workforce development into national funding priorities.123
Why — This would secure long-term investment for cancer infrastructure and reduce regional care disparities.4
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European Cancer Organisation urges dedicated health funding in budget

29 Oct 2025
Topic — EU consultation on funding rules for member states and regional development.
Message — The group requests a 20% social spending target for health and oncology. They also propose including cancer care infrastructure and data systems in regional plans.12
Why — This recognition would prevent member states from overlooking cancer care investments.3
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European Cancer Organisation connects anti-poverty strategy to oncology

24 Oct 2025
Topic — A new EU strategy addressing the root causes and multi-dimensional nature of poverty.
Message — ECO calls for a coordinated approach connecting the Anti-Poverty Strategy with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. They propose mobile screening units for underserved communities and a legally enshrined "Right to be Forgotten" for survivors.12
Why — These proposals would prevent survivors from falling into poverty due to health-related financial discrimination.34
Impact — Banks and insurance firms would be prohibited from using past medical history to assess risk.56
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European Cancer Organisation urges expanded list of workplace carcinogens

21 Oct 2025
Topic — EU initiative to update rules protecting workers from exposure to cancer-causing substances.
Message — The group calls for eliminating workplace hazards using scientific evidence. They demand mandated education and free surveillance including after retirement.12
Why — Stricter standards would help the organization achieve its mission of reducing cancer burdens.34
Impact — Industrial companies would face higher expenses for mandated lifelong health monitoring and training.56
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Meeting with Per Clausen (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Oct 2025 · Draft Report on Advancing towards a care society: addressing the gender care gap

Meeting with Olivér Várhelyi (Commissioner) and

2 Oct 2025 · All pressing portfolio topics

Meeting with Wopke Hoekstra (Commissioner) and

30 Sept 2025 · Public health and tobacco matetrs

Meeting with Olivér Várhelyi (Commissioner), Wopke Hoekstra (Commissioner) and

30 Sept 2025 · Public health and tobacco matters

European Cancer Organisation urges joint cancer-cardiovascular health strategy

15 Sept 2025
Topic — EU's new Cardiovascular Health Plan to complement Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.
Message — ECO requests the new Cardiovascular Health Plan re-establish unfulfilled promises from Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, including tobacco-free generation goals, alcohol regulation updates with mandatory labelling and health warnings, and front-of-pack nutrition labelling. They also want both plans to operate in coordination to address shared prevention goals and cancer-cardiovascular co-morbidities.1234
Why — This would advance their mission to reduce cancer burden through shared prevention policies.56
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European Cancer Organisation Urges Health Warnings and Survivor Rights

29 Aug 2025
Topic — The EU is developing a consumer policy strategy for 2025-2030.
Message — They demand mandatory health warnings on alcohol and traffic-light food labels. The group also seeks tobacco flavor bans and legal financial rights for survivors.12
Why — This would help the group reach goals for cancer prevention and survivorship.3
Impact — Tobacco, alcohol, and tanning companies would face strict bans and lower sales.4
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Response to Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030

11 Aug 2025

Achieving equality in cancer care is a human rights imperative. Through its Inequalities Network and dedicated workstreams on Women & Cancer and Men & Cancer, the European Cancer Organisation (ECO), a federation of 41 member societies and 21 patient organisations , works to eliminate disparities undermining equitable outcomes. Article 8 TFEU commits the Union to promote equality between men and women in all activities. Yet across all 27 Member States, women still face deep inequalities in access to healthcare. Twelve million European women live with cancer, with 600,000 deaths annually. Gender equity efforts must also recognise mens distinct health challenges, as improving mens outcomes benefits families and societies as a whole. ECO calls for health to be fully integrated into the new EU Gender Equality Strategy and for gender-sensitive policies to address cancer inequalities. The following areas require urgent attention: 1 Right to Cancer Prevention for All Prevention remains the most cost-effective measure. Priorities include: curbing tobacco and alcohol marketing targeting women; addressing obesity and inactivity; improving HPV vaccination (coverage ranges from 96% in Portugal to 3% in Bulgaria); tackling UV exposure from tanning beds; expanding access to genetic counselling and testing for hereditary cancers; and addressing occupational exposures affecting both sexes. Prevention must be accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive, with outreach to vulnerable groups, including homeless and incarcerated populations, who face later diagnoses and poorer survival. 2 Right to Equitable Screening & Early Detection Screening rates vary dramatically (e.g. breast cancer: 83% in Denmark vs 21% in Bulgaria). Cervical screening coverage is as low as 12% in some states and self-sampling remains rare despite proven impact. Ovarian cancer lacks routine screening, with 70% of cases diagnosed late. Access to diagnostics such as biomarker testing remains uneven. Mens screening participation also lags, especially for colorectal and prostate cancer, requiring targeted outreach. 3 Right to Sexual & Reproductive Health Up to 75% of survivors wish to become parents, but 80% face reduced fertility. Many women are not informed of preservation options, and costs are prohibitive. Sexual health impacts of treatment from physical changes to psychological distress remain insufficiently addressed. Men also face unmet sexual health needs, particularly after prostate cancer. 4 Right to Financial Security & a Safe Workplace Women with cancer are more vulnerable to poverty due to lower earnings, part-time work, and reduced access to benefits. They face higher rates of workplace discrimination, denial of reasonable accommodations, and long-term career setbacks. Stigma over appearance-related side effects further harms employability. 5 Right to Support in the Role of Carer Caregiving is overwhelmingly performed by women 32 million in Europe with significant personal, financial, and emotional costs. Unpaid care reduces income, pension contributions, and career prospects. Male carers often face isolation and lack of tailored support. Both require formal recognition and policy action. 6 Equality in the Oncology Workforce Women comprise 70% of the global healthcare workforce yet earn 20% less and remain underrepresented in leadership. Career breaks, poor flexible working provision, and persistent discrimination undermine advancement, particularly in oncology. 7 Men, Cancer Stigma & Equitable Care Men are more likely to develop and die from cancer, but are underrepresented in prevention, screening, and psychosocial services. Stigma around seeking help and intersectional inequalities (e.g. rural, ethnic minority, LGBTQIA+ men) worsen outcomes. National cancer plans must dismantle these barriers. Conclusion The EU Gender Equality Strategy 20262030 is a critical opportunity to embed gender-sensitive approaches in cancer care.
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Meeting with Sirpa Pietikäinen (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Jul 2025 · Cancer

Response to Anti-racism Strategy

8 Jul 2025

Combatting inequity in health and cancer care is a human rights imperative. We hope the forthcoming EU Anti-racism Strategy can play its role in recognising and addressing these as they pertain to racism and racially based inequality in health and cancer care. The European Cancer Organisation welcomes the opportunity to provide input on the first comprehensive strategy to address racism and contribute to a society free from racial discrimination, building on the 2020-2025 EU Anti-racism Action Plan. ECO's response to the EU Anti-racism Strategy Call for Evidence notably includes the following key recommendations, which are described further in attachment: 1) That the forthcoming EU Anti-racism Strategy recognises the right to accessible and quality health services, free from discrimination, as a matter to be addressed as part of the strategy 2) Promoting prevention strategies that are appropriately tailored to improve reach to ethnic minority and racialised communities. 3) Recommending guidelines for screening and early detection programmes to include culturally aware best practices, to help ensure more equitable reach and uptake. 4) Prioritisation of inclusive trial designs by adopting ethnicity-neutral assessment tools. 5) Improved ethnicity data collection in cancer registries and health systems, supported by EU funding and regulatory standards.
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Meeting with Tilly Metz (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Jul 2025 · HPV

European Cancer Organisation seeks health focus in LGBTIQ strategy

24 Jun 2025
Topic — The consultation concerns the new European Union LGBTIQ Equality Strategy for 2026-2030.
Message — ECO recommends the strategy addresses disparities in cancer prevention and early detection for LGBTIQ people. They propose mandatory training for healthcare workers to reduce institutional stigma. They also advocate for inclusive research and data collection.123
Why — It would help the organization fulfill its goal of reducing cancer outcome disparities.4
Impact — Healthcare providers and researchers would face higher costs for training and protocol updates.56
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Meeting with Tilly Metz (Member of the European Parliament)

6 Jun 2025 · Cancer, HPV

Response to Wine package: Implementation of the recommendations of the High-Level Group on wine policy

2 Jun 2025

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO), representing a wide network of professional societies, patient organisations and experts across Europes cancer community, welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the European Commission consultation on its proposed Wine Package. ECO stresses the importance of consumer awareness regarding the health risks of alcohol, including its established role as a carcinogen. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer risk. Alcohol is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen the same category as asbestos and tobacco. It is a causal factor in at least seven types of cancer, including those of the breast, liver, and digestive tract. In the EU, alcohol is estimated to cause around 287,000 cancer cases and over 100,000 cancer deaths annually (WHO European Region, 2022). Despite this, many citizens remain unaware of alcohol's link to cancer. The 2021 Eurobarometer survey on alcohol consumption found that less than 1 in 3 Europeans are aware that drinking alcohol increases cancer risk. In this context, the European Cancer Organisation strongly supports the ambition of Europes Beating Cancer Plan, which sets the target of achieving a relative reduction of at least 10% in alcohol use by 2025 and included a commitment that the European Commission would propose mandatory health warning labels on alcoholic beverages. In this respect, the EUs Wine Package should be taken as a critical opportunity to make progress on that commitment, particularly as part of a broader approach to harmonised labelling. While harmonising labelling rules across Member States is important to ensure legal clarity and consistency for producers and exporters, harmonisation must also advance public health objectives, including cancer prevention such as: 1. Mandatory health warnings on alcoholic beverages, clearly indicating the carcinogenic nature of alcohol, in line with the commitments made under Europes Beating Cancer Plan. 2. Full ingredient lists and nutritional declarations, as already required for food products. There should be no exception for wine or other alcoholic products in this regard. 3. If electronic labelling is used, it must not replace visible, physical labels that contain critical health information. While digital tools may enhance traceability and access to supplementary data, they must not be used as a substitute for clear, on-package warnings and ingredient disclosure. Consumers must be able to access key health information instantly and without technological barriers. ECO cautions strongly that a digital-only approach to product information labelling risk excluding vulnerable populations, such as older adults, those with limited internet access, or people with lower health literacymany of whom are disproportionately affected by cancer and other alcohol-related harms. ECO believes the revised Wine Package should not focus solely on consumer information in terms of production methods or nutritional value but it should include also include strong, visible messaging about the health risksincluding cancerassociated with alcohol consumption to ensure consumer information and as part of the fundamental public health transparency.
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Response to European strategy on research and technology infrastructures

22 May 2025

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) welcomes the opportunity to provide input on the future of research and technology infrastructures in Europe. Building and sustaining high-performing, interoperable infrastructures is vital for enabling equitable progress in cancer research and innovation, leading to improved patient outcomes across the European Union. In this context and considering the specific needs of the European cancer sector, ECO wishes to highlight 5 key challenge areas and offer corresponding policy recommendations for the Commissions consideration. 1. Building on what is already created. The cancer research infrastructures created with EU sponsorship 2. The role of digital and data in high functioning research infrastructures 3. Supporting research infrastructures through targeted reduction of administrative burden 4. Supporting research infrastructures by addressing workforce skills and training gaps 5. Tackling regional and other inequalities inherent in European research infrastructures
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Meeting with Emma Rafowicz (Member of the European Parliament) and Make Mothers Matter EU Delegation

22 May 2025 · FEMM

Response to Communication on the EU Stockpiling Strategy

9 May 2025

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to establish a new EU stockpiling strategy aimed at improving crisis preparedness. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how essential timely access to medical products and supplies isnot only to directly respond to emerging threats, but also to safeguard continuity of care for vulnerable patient populations, including those living with cancer. Ensuring continuity of cancer care during crises During the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer services across Europe were severely disrupted, in part due to shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostic supplies, critical oncology drugs, and repurposing of medical infrastructure and personnel. A responsive EU stockpiling system must anticipate the needs of non-communicable disease services like oncology that require uninterrupted access to life-saving medications and equipment, even in the face of public health emergencies. The new stockpiling strategy should therefore ensure that preparedness measures support the continuity of essential health services, particularly for high-risk and immunocompromised populations. The utility of stockpiled resources ultimately depends on the availability of trained health professionals to deploy them effectively. Stockpiling strategies must be linked to workforce contingency planning and adpat capacity frameworks, ensuring that personnel are not only available but also adequately trained in deploying emergency medical countermeasures in specialised settings, such as oncology units. Furthermore, ECO suggest the European Commission to allocate dedicated funding from programmes such as EU4Health and Horizon Europe to research on supply chain vulnerabilities, regional disparities in access to stockpiled materials, and the development of storage, tracking, and distribution technologies. For instance, this may includes tools for real-time data sharing and stockpile visibility across Member States.
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Response to EU Strategy on medical countermeasures

9 May 2025

The European Cancer Organisation welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the development of the EUs Strategy to Support Medical Countermeasures Against Public Health Threats. As the COVID-19 pandemic revealed, public health emergencies can cause profound disruptions across the healthcare systemincluding cancer services. Delayed diagnoses, interrupted treatment regimens, and workforce shortages created cascading consequences for cancer patients in all EU countries. These experiences must shape the EUs future preparedness and response planning. Cancer patients are often immunocompromised and particularly vulnerable during public health threats, making equitable and timely access to protective measures, diagnostics, and therapeutics essential. ECO recommends that flagship initiatives under the strategy explicitly consider the needs of cancer patients and professionals, including the prioritisation of MCM access for high-risk populations and continuity of supply for critical oncological treatments. Furthermore, the effective use of EU4Health, Horizon Europe, and RescEU funds should include support for research into the impact of public health threats on cancer outcomes, as well as the integration of oncology needs into MCM preparedness planning. While the establishment of DG HERA is a step forward, ECO considers that greater transparency, accountability, and effectiveness would be achieved by transitioning HERA to an independent EU agencysimilar to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). This would strengthen its governance, enable robust oversight through the European Parliament, and allow for inclusion of patient and professional stakeholder representation, replicating the EMAs successful model. For instance, data systems developed by the ECDC for vaccine monitoring during COVID-19 should be shared globally, contributing to broader international surveillance and response coordination. One of the most pressing challenges experienced during public health threats is the shortage of qualified health personnel. This issue transcends national borders and requires coordinated global solutions. ECO urges that HERA work more closely with international partners such as the WHO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to address this chronic issue. A globally integrated labour response system is essential to mitigate future shocks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the cancer community witnessed first-hand the devastating consequences of workforce shortages. Oncology professionals were redeployed, routine cancer services were delayed or suspended, and the remaining healthcare staff faced extreme pressure, leading to burnout, moral injury, and in some cases, departure from the profession altogether. Workforce shortages are no longer isolated events but are becoming systemic. Across Europe, cancer care services are being delivered with an ageing workforce, declining recruitment, and uneven distribution of skilled personnel across regions and disciplines. This trend is particularly acute in rural and underserved areas, compounding inequalities in access to care. To address this, the Strategy to support medical countermeasures against public health threats should adopt a robust international engagement strategy focused on health workforce resilience. ECO recommends that this strategy be pursued in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other multilateral bodies. ECO also calls for the integration of the health workforce agenda into the EUs broader foreign policy and global health strategy. The EU should lead by example in demonstrating that sustainable healthcare systems require long-term investment in people, not just infrastructure and products.
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European Cancer Organisation urges EU action on medical workforce shortages

17 Apr 2025
Topic — A new European strategy to boost competitiveness and innovation in life sciences.
Message — The organisation calls for a plan to address critical healthcare workforce shortages. They propose union-wide staffing standards and reducing administrative burdens on clinicians. They also advocate for clinical trials to include more diverse groups.123
Why — Better staffing levels would allow cancer professionals more time to lead innovation.4
Impact — Minority groups and rural regions lose out when clinical research is concentrated.56
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Meeting with Ondřej Dostál (Member of the European Parliament)

14 Apr 2025 · Introducion

Meeting with Aurelijus Veryga (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Mar 2025 · Enhancing Cancer Policy and Health Initiatives

Meeting with Sandra Gallina (Director-General Health and Food Safety) and

20 Mar 2025 · Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

Meeting with Olivér Várhelyi (Commissioner) and

4 Feb 2025 · Exchange of views on Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

Meeting with Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu (Member of the European Parliament) and EUROPEAN ORGANISATION FOR RARE DISEASES and European Society for Paediatric Oncology

15 Jan 2025 · Intergroup on cancer and rare diseases

Meeting with Ingeborg Ter Laak (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Dec 2024 · Cancer treatments

Meeting with Oliver Schenk (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Dec 2024 · European Health Policy

Meeting with Adam Jarubas (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair)

21 Nov 2024 · European Cancer Summit

Meeting with Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (Member of the European Parliament) and AstraZeneca PLC and

20 Nov 2024 · EU health policy

Meeting with Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (Member of the European Parliament) and Vaccines Europe and Insightec Ltd.

13 Nov 2024 · EU health policy

Meeting with András Tivadar Kulja (Member of the European Parliament)

14 Oct 2024 · European Cancer Plan

Meeting with Valérie Devaux (Member of the European Parliament)

2 Oct 2024 · Cancers féminins

Meeting with Nikos Papandreou (Member of the European Parliament) and European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network

2 Oct 2024 · Introductory meeting

Meeting with Florian Denis (Cabinet of Commissioner Mairead Mcguinness), Patricia Reilly (Cabinet of Commissioner Mairead Mcguinness) and Insurance Europe

1 Oct 2024 · right to be forgotten

Meeting with Billy Kelleher (Member of the European Parliament)

30 Sept 2024 · Insurance

Meeting with Carolina Morace (Member of the European Parliament) and DSW (Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung) and Animal Welfare Foundation e.V.

24 Sept 2024 · Introductory Meeting

Meeting with Peter Liese (Member of the European Parliament) and Salzgitter AG

29 Aug 2024 · Austausch

Meeting with Patricia Reilly (Cabinet of Commissioner Mairead Mcguinness)

22 Jul 2024 · Right to be forgotten

Meeting with Camilla Laureti (Member of the European Parliament)

22 Jul 2024 · Incontro conoscitivo

Meeting with Virginie Joron (Member of the European Parliament)

18 Jul 2024 · traitement du cancer

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

17 Jul 2024 · Introductory meeting

Meeting with Pablo Arias Echeverría (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Jul 2024 · Opportunities for the organization and priorities for the new EU term

Meeting with Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Jul 2024 · Plan to beat cancer

Meeting with Catherine Griset (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Jul 2024 · Lutte, prévention et recherche contre le cancer au niveau européen

Meeting with Kateřina Konečná (Member of the European Parliament) and Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles

17 Jul 2024 · Introduction of political priorities

Meeting with Alessandra Moretti (Member of the European Parliament) and A2A

17 Jul 2024 · New term objectives and perspectives

Meeting with Isabel Wiseler-Lima (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Jul 2024 · Europe's Beating Cancer Plan

Meeting with Dubravka Šuica (Vice-President)

16 Jul 2024 · Longevity, health and support to E.C.O as well as future priorities of the EU.

Meeting with Isabella Tovaglieri (Member of the European Parliament)

10 Jul 2024 · European policies on fighting cancer

Meeting with Adam Jarubas (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair)

9 Jul 2024 · Strategia Pokonania Raka UE

Meeting with Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Jul 2024 · fair access to cancer treatment across member states

Meeting with Lukas Mandl (Member of the European Parliament)

2 Jul 2024 · Gesundheit

Response to Health technology assessment – Procedural rules for the assessment and management of conflicts of interest in joint wo

26 Jun 2024

The European Cancer Organisation thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to respond to the present consultation. The coming into being of the EU Health Technology Assessment Regulation marks an important new moment in EU health cooperation, supporting, it is hoped, better coordination between EU Member States on a critical element of the path between scientific discovery and patient access. In this sense, it is of the utmost importance that the implementation of the new Regulation is conducted with careful consideration. Potential unintended negative consequences need to be avoided during the decision-making period taking place in preparation for the Regulations implementation. Regular and open consultation and scrutiny is critical to achieve this. ECO replies to the consultation in this spirit. *Balancing potential conflicts of interest with the need for the highest quality expertise.* The Implementing Regulation is, on the whole, to be welcomed. It is correct and laudable that the implementation of the HTA Regulation should be supported by high standards of governance, including in relation to the declaration and consideration of any individual involved in the HTA processes who could be considered to have a conflict of interest. However, amongst stakeholders following the process, a generalised concern has arisen. Application of Conflict of Interest regulations need to have room for a certain level of pragmatism. Many fields of science that would be connected to an HTA application may, by necessity (e.g. rare conditions and diseases) have a restricted pool of available expertise. In these fields it may not always be possible to locate an individual free of any and all potential conflicts of interest. Over-application of the Implementing Regulation in this could risk that either no, or poorer levels of, expertise are then brought into the process. This would be to the detriment of the quality of the HTA process. We therefore urge measures be taken to aid pragmatic application of the regulation, including via guidance notes and potential descriptive case studies of scenarios where such pragmatism should be deployed, and in which manner. This would support even and common sense application of the Regulation. *Ensuring high standards of openness and transparency in developing and implementing the HTA Regulation.* We thank the Commission for providing stakeholders such as the European Cancer Organisation the opportunity to review the draft Implementing Regulation that is the subject of this consultation. We recommend regular further opportunities for wide scrutiny and input be provided in respect to the significant importance of the HTA regulation in respect to the pan-European systems that will govern patient access to new treatments. We therefore urge that the present HTA Regulation stakeholder structures be made more open for additional inputs from the wide breadth of concerned stakeholders, active at international, European, national and regional levels. We believe there are important improvements that could be made in terms of the openness and transparency of the implementation preparations and would welcome direct discussion about that.
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Meeting with Florian Denis (Cabinet of Commissioner Mairead Mcguinness)

24 May 2024 · right to be forgotten

Meeting with Stella Kyriakides (Commissioner) and

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

Meeting with Stelios Kympouropoulos (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Apr 2024 · European cancer plan

Meeting with Deirdre Clune (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Mar 2024 · European Manifesto

European Cancer Organisation backs EU ban on bisphenols

8 Mar 2024
Topic — Proposed EU restrictions on bisphenol A and other bisphenols in food contact materials.
Message — The organization expresses its formal support for the proposal to restrict bisphenols. They recommend that future publications more fully reference evidence linking these chemicals to cancer. They also call for more research into endocrine-disrupters through European funding.123
Why — Formalizing cancer links in legislation helps the organization reduce the overall disease burden.45
Impact — Producers of metal cans and plastic bottles must phase out common chemical linings.6
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Meeting with Catherine Amalric (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Feb 2024 · Plan cancer européen

Response to European Disability Card and European Parking Card for third country nationals

17 Jan 2024

In consultation with its member societies, Patient Advisory Committee, and the ECO Survivorship and Quality of Life Network, the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) is pleased to respond to the European Commission consultation on an EU Disability Card and an EU Disability Parking Card. We would like to take the opportunity of the consultation to raise policy attention to: the needs of cancer patients and survivors encountering forms of disabilities as a result of their disease and treatment; and, the needs of individuals with disabilities in respect to access to cancer services and cancer control more generally. In responding to the consultation, the European Cancer Organisation: - welcomes the Commissions proposal identifying cancer survivorship needs, as cancer and its treatments are often considered a disability triggering physical and cognitive changes; - recommends that all cancer patients be eligible for the European Disability Card to help access cultural, leisure and other social activities that support their quality of life and wellbeing while they undergo treatment; - recognises that the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities will require separate eligibility procedures with greater focus on physical mobility considerations. To help address the financial burdens associated with cancer, ECO suggests encouraging member states to provide vehicle tax exemption to individuals holding a European Parking Card for persons with disabilities; - suggests extending the physical format of both cards to braille and easy- to-read versions, to allow greater inclusion; - supports synergising the digital card format with EU-supported mobile applications such as the EU Cancer Survivor Smartcard App (SmartCARE); and, - proposes ensuring adequate funding to promote citizen awareness and understanding of both cards after the legal proposal is passed and implemented. Find out more about the ECO Survivorship and Quality of Life Network, and how to participate within it, here: https://www.europeancancer.org/topic-networks/6:survivorship-and-quality-of-life-network.html You can read further information about ECOs policies on cancer survivorship and quality of life in the relevant chapter of theTime To Accelerate: Together Against CancerManifestohere: https://www.europeancancer.org/manifesto.We invite your endorsement!
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Meeting with Miriam Lexmann (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Nov 2023 · Prevention and screening of cancer

Response to Reducing human health risks associated with the use of sunbeds

17 Nov 2023

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, including from sunbeds, is recognised by the scientific community as a determinant of skin cancer risk. Over 150,000 new cases of melanoma are registered every year, accounting for 4% of all new cancer diagnoses in EU-27 countries in 2020, making it the sixth most frequently occurring cancer in Europe. As a response to the need for pan-European cooperation in cancer prevention, the European Commission has sponsored the creation, and promotion of the European Code Against Cancer. A science and evidence led project, developed by experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the Code sets out 12 ways any citizen can reduce their cancer risk. When it comes to sunbeds, the Code could not be clearer: Do not use sunbeds (Point 7). ECO therefore welcomes the Commission's commitment to study measures on exposure to UV radiation, including from artificial tanning devices (sunbeds). In consultation with its membership, and Patient Advisory Committee, and with particular reference to expertise shared with by organisations such as the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), in addition to the studies being committed to, ECO recommends: A ban on the use of sunbeds by minors 21 countries around the world have already banned indoor tanning for people younger than age 18, and Canada has banned indoor tanning for those younger than age 19. Australia, Brazil, and Iran have banned indoor tanning altogether. Regulating sunbeds as medical devices and phasing out for aesthetic purposes Ultraviolet (UV) tanning devices are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Other Group 1 carcinogens include plutonium and tobacco. It occurs to ECO as perverse that there is long established regulation to control exposure for almost all Group 1 carcinogens, yet there remains apparent reluctance to initiate similar controls for UV exposure related to sunbed use. Other recommended measures In respect to protecting citizens from UV radiation more generally, ECO wishes to emphasise the important positioning of the European Parliament on this topic, framed in the BECA report, which was approved by large majority in plenary vote. In that report, MEPs called on the Commission to revise Directive 2006/25/EC on the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (artificial optical radiation) and to include solar radiation within its scope. In the context of the EU4Health programme, Member States and the European Commission should also support EU-wide awareness-raising campaigns on skin cancer prevention with their focus including the protection of children conducting outdoor recreational activity, skin protection for outdoor workers and correct public information on adequate UV protection, as well as the risks of sunbathing, tanning, sunbeds. Improvements in skin cancer registration and EU funded research into skin cancer screening methods are also urged.
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European Cancer Organisation demands broader definitions of medical need

8 Nov 2023
Topic — A revision of EU pharmaceutical legislation to improve medicine affordability and supply.
Message — The organization urges a broader definition of unmet medical need including quality of life. They request support for drug repurposing and protecting hospital-based medicine production.123
Why — Non-commercial researchers and hospitals would secure regulatory support and maintain their production roles.45
Impact — Commercial drug developers may face more competition from non-commercial entities and hospital-produced therapies.6
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Meeting with Catherine Amalric (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

11 Oct 2023 · Reform of the EU pharmaceutical legislation

Meeting with Maria Angela Danzì (Member of the European Parliament)

11 Oct 2023 · NCD meeting

Meeting with Deirdre Clune (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Jul 2023 · Non-Communicable Diseases

Meeting with Margaritis Schinas (Vice-President) and

29 Jun 2023 · EU beating cancer

Meeting with Patrizia Toia (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Jun 2023 · Exchange on the activities of the organization (meeting held by the responsible APA)

Meeting with Erik Poulsen (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

31 May 2023 · NCD

Meeting with Frances Fitzgerald (Member of the European Parliament)

24 May 2023 · Cancer

Meeting with Sara Cerdas (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Apr 2023 · Consumo de álcool

European Cancer Organisation Urges Full Alignment With WHO Air Standards

14 Mar 2023
Topic — The European Commission is revising air quality rules to better protect human health and environment.
Message — ECO calls for full alignment with WHO guidelines rather than just closer targets. They urge the EU to exceed minimum requirements and study low-level pollution exposure.123
Why — Meeting these standards would reduce lung cancer cases and alleviate pressure on national healthcare systems.45
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Response to Europass evaluation (2018-2023)

28 Feb 2023

The European Cancer Organisation applauds the European Commission for taking initiatives in support of improved mobility of professionals, including healthcare and oncology professionals, across Europe. We perceive the Europass initiative as a project orientated towards this goal. In this respect, in support of the evaluation of Europass since 2018, and having consulted with our Workforce Network and others, we provide the following key remarks: 1. Our perception is that there is a current low awareness among professionals in Europe about the Europass initiative, including its supporting set of tools e.g., Digital Skills Self-Assessment Tool, Certificate Supplement, and European Digital Credentials for Learning. 2. This, could in part, be a result of low integration between Europass and existing national and professional society initiatives in respect to learning and skills development. 3. As a general remark, a number of key tools already exist across Europe to support individuals in their professional development and in conveying their professional skillsets to others. Examples include LinkedIn, ResearchGate etc. The success, or otherwise, of Europass, therefore depends upon avoiding duplication with existing tools, and in providing strong unique and EU added value offer. 4. In respect to European cancer policy, we suggest means be found to connect DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) initiatives, such as Europass and other projects, to EU funded healthcare and oncology care training projects, such as those supported by both the Digital Europe programme, and the EU4Health programme. 5. It is therefore notable that the present Europass Advisory Group contains no stakeholder organisations from the health sector. We advise this be corrected by employing a more open form of stakeholder input to the development of Europass.
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European Cancer Organisation calls for better psychological patient support

15 Feb 2023
Topic — The EU initiative establishes a comprehensive strategy for mental health promotion and prevention.
Message — ECO calls for improved access to psycho-oncology and systematic screening during treatment. They advocate for workplace burnout protections and support for Ukrainian cancer patients.12
Why — This would secure better funding and political recognition for specialized cancer care services.3
Impact — Health systems may face financial pressure to resolve chronic gaps in psychological resources.4
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European Cancer Organisation Urges Mandatory Building Screening for Asbestos

8 Feb 2023
Topic — EU initiative to improve health outcomes by monitoring asbestos in buildings.
Message — The organization recommends a shared legal commitment to remove all asbestos in Europe. They call for mandatory building screening and the creation of national asbestos registries.12
Why — This would advance their mission by reducing the burden of asbestos-related cancers.34
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Response to Vaccine-Preventable Cancers

6 Feb 2023

The European Cancer Organisation welcomes the present public call for evidence aimed at assisting the European Commission in its preparation of a proposal for a Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers. The European Cancer Organisation emphasises the following points for inclusion in the upcoming Recommendation: 1) Accelerating the achievement of HPV cancer elimination through gender-neutral vaccination. 2) Increasing coverage of HBV vaccination including for new-borns, children and risk-groups. 3) Ensuring an inequalities focus throughout the recommendation. 4) Actively tracking and monitoring progress towards the achievement of HPV and HBV cancers elimination goals. 5) Enhancing EU level action against misinformation and disinformation about vaccination on social media. 6) Supporting a stable supply environment for HPV and HBV vaccines across Europe. 7) Creating synergies between the European Commission and the World Health Organisation in implementing policies and strategies for the elimination of all cancers and diseases caused by HPV and HBV. 8) Urging Member States to adopt public health strategies that include multi-stakeholders educational campaigns. 9) Committing Member States to further facilitate access to vaccination and to implement coordinated vaccination catch-up programmes among the population. 10) Securing long-term commitment by the European Union to the funding of vaccine-preventable cancers research. A more detailed description of our recommendations can be found in the attached document.
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Meeting with Dolors Montserrat (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and European Society of Cardiology

12 Jan 2023 · Lessons learned on impact of COVID-19 pandemic

Response to Proposal for Regulation to parliament and Council establishing interim instrument for MFA + to Ukraine

11 Jan 2023

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) applauds the role being undertaken by the European Union to support Ukraine and its citizens as the country remains under military attack by Russia. This includes the provision of solidarity support funding as described in the consultation documentation, and also the opening of other EU funding mechanisms to Ukrainian organisations, such as Horizon Europe and EU4Health. Since March 2022, ECO has been working alongside the American Society of Clinical Oncology and 388 participants from other partner organisations in operating a special Network on the Impact of the War in Ukraine in Cancer. We are also delighted to work with DG Sante in co-chairing the EUs Health Policy Platform Network on Ukraine. Our full response is attached. Our summary key points are: 1. The needs of cancer care in Ukraine at this time. We hope that all those entrusted with the implementation of the Instrument have the needs of the cancer centres in Ukraine well in mind. All elements of cancer care provision have been impacted, from prevention services such as HPV vaccination, to screening, diagnosis, treatment and after-care, including palliative care services and treatment. In implementation of the instrument, we urge that due account be taken of the priorities for attention in maintaining cancer and other health services in Ukraine during the conflict. This includes, for example, ensuring diagnostic kit and generators are provided to all medical centres. 2. Preparing for the Rebuild Article 3 of the proposed Regulation makes clear that the funding instrument should also be purposed towards preparation of the reconstruction of Ukraine. ECO supports this objective, understanding that such planning cannot take place at too early a stage. There will be urgency at the conflicts conclusion to commence the rebuilding without undue delay. Planning that is conducted in advance of this date will pay dividend in effecting both the most prompt rebuilding activity, but also in ensuring the best possibilities for cancer service redesign are taken. We strongly recommend that transparent and open dialogue about such rebuilding plans, involving key stakeholders, such as patients and healthcare professionals, already commence. Attention should also be provided to ensuring that future financial instruments, to be used for the purposes of rebuilding, will be accessible to sectors such as cancer service providers (across the cancer care continuum), across the country. It should also be noted, in this respect, how swift, adaptable and efficient civil society organisations in Ukraine and elsewhere have been in responding to the needs of Ukrainian cancer patients during the war. We strongly recommend, that in reaching decisions on post-war rebuilding of Ukraines cancer services, the experience and perspectives of these organisations be given utmost consideration. 3. Aligning Ukraines regulatory framework to that of the European Union We note the objective described in Article 3 of the proposed Regulation, that the financial instrument will support the alignment of the regulatory framework of Ukraine to that of the Union and the countrys integration into the single market. In this respect, we point out areas for attention in this regard as potentially including: · Professional qualification recognition · Medicines regulation · Clinical trial regulation More generally, we encourage activity by all DGs to ensure current and future integration of Ukraine in the context of EU policy initiatives, including EU cancer and health policy e.g. Europes Beating Cancer Plan. The latter policy initiative includes many change-making projects to which we would encourage possibilities for Ukraines integration to be actively explored. This includes, for example, the inter-specialty cancer training programme, the EU cancer screening scheme, the EUs goal for the elimination of HPV cancers and the new EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres.
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Meeting with Tomislav Sokol (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

8 Dec 2022 · European Health Data Space - EHDS

Meeting with Sara Cerdas (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

1 Dec 2022 · Espaço Europeu de Dados de Saúde

Meeting with Véronique Trillet-Lenoir (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Nov 2022 · Cancer : Health systems and Treatment optimisation: scanning the political horizon

Meeting with Ralf Kuhne (Cabinet of Commissioner Stella Kyriakides) and DIGITALEUROPE and

10 Oct 2022 · Working group on European Health Data Space

Meeting with Stella Kyriakides (Commissioner) and

21 Sept 2022 · Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and EU Policy on cancer

European Cancer Organisation urges stakeholder inclusion in health data governance

28 Jul 2022
Topic — The consultation addresses a proposed regulation to establish the European Health Data Space.
Message — ECO requests representation for patients and professionals on the European Health Data Space Board. They call for regulatory clarity to prevent fragmented data protection rules across Europe. The organisation also recommends a federated data structure.123
Why — This would simplify cancer research and accelerate the delivery of new patient treatments.45
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European Cancer Organisation urges wider bans on smoking and vaping

20 Jul 2022
Topic — The EU is updating health recommendations to include outdoor spaces and emerging tobacco products.
Message — The group recommends including private settings like vehicles and homes to protect the health of youth. They want a holistic approach covering e-cigarettes and a monitoring mechanism to ensure Member State compliance.123
Why — Stricter rules would help achieve their primary goal of reducing the cancer burden.4
Impact — Tobacco and vaping companies lose revenue as stricter rules suppress product demand and use.5
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Response to Cancer Screening Recommendation

22 Feb 2022

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) welcomes the present Call for Evidence in preparation for an update to the EU Council Recommendations on cancer screening. Appended to our response is a recent consensus paper ‘Earlier is Better’, outlining ECO’s views on cancer screening and early detection. The paper was formed following consultative events with key experts, and approved via the ECO policy approval pathway, involving more than 40 healthcare professional organisations and 20 European and international level patient organisations. Building on that paper, a quick summary of points for the Commission’s attention is provided below. Covid-19: Urgency of building back screening Covid-19 has dramatically affected cancer screening and early detection across Europe. 100 million cancer screening tests were not performed and urgent cancer referrals were cut by up to half; as a result, 1 million cancer patients could be undiagnosed in Europe. Impact on national screening programmes has frequently exceeded 70%, leading to significant expected excess cancer mortality. Urgent action is needed to clear the accumulated backlog and tackle pre-existing deficiencies. The update to the Council Recommendations on Cancer Screening (and, we suggest, Early Detection) should be seen as an urgent component of the pan-European build back of cancer systems and the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. Time to update the Recommendations. Science and Practice have moved on. The experience since the 2003 EU cancer screening recommendations has shown great gaps in implementation. Coverage by screening programmes (where existing) remains largely insufficient, down to 14% for colorectal cancer screening, with wide disparities across countries and social groups. Meanwhile, developed evidence and further research needs on risk-based approaches require utmost consideration, as they can allow for step improvements in the risk-benefit balance, cost-effectiveness and resilience achieved by existing cancer screening programmes, and for the wider implementation of systematic prostate and lung cancer early detection strategies. New cancer screening tests, enhancing accuracy of, and adherence to, screening programmes, are also awaiting further implementation. This includes HPV DNA testing and self- and home-screening tests, such as HPV self-sampling, FIT tests and PSA home-testing kits. Finally, due attention must be given to technological developments in the fields of liquid biopsies and multi-cancer early detection, as well as to the potential of AI to assist imaging-based screening, such as for breast, prostate and lung cancer. Europe needs a political agenda on early detection and diagnosis of all cancers Currently recommended screening programmes only cover 25% of European cancer cases. However, best outcomes rely on policy attention to early detection of all cancers. This can be achieved through setting clear and binding goals and time targets for improvement, including for lung, prostate and other cancers. Worryingly low levels of citizen awareness of cancer warning signs must be addressed, and the role of primary care professionals in achieving improvement must be recognised and leveraged. EU policies also need to recognise that the full benefits of early detection can only be achieved if converted into optimal diagnosis, treatment and care pathway. Action should be promoted to elevate timeliness of referral through quality indicators, address pathologists’ shortages and optimise accuracy of diagnosis by making the best of molecular tools such as genomic tumour testing. We therefore call on the European Commission to provide a holistic response to the many policy needs in cancer screening and early detection, paving the way towards a lower cancer burden long-term. Our call is for the production of Council Recommendations that meet the full need in this space: Council Recommendations on Screening and Early Detection.
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Meeting with Sandra Gallina (Director-General Health and Food Safety)

9 Nov 2021 · Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

Response to Requirements for Artificial Intelligence

6 Aug 2021

Because AI systems used in healthcare must be trustworthy and because lives and patients’ outcomes depend on it, the European Cancer Organisation recognises the necessity of a strong pan European framework to ensure the trustworthiness of AI in healthcare. The European Cancer Organisation therefore welcomes the aim of the European Commission to address a number of legal and ethical issues, raised by AI, to foster the development and uptake of AI. - As the applications of AI systems in healthcare are still at a comparatively early stage, with many innovations still occurring, the European Cancer Organisation agrees with the European Commission’s intended approach of maintaining evolving definitions in the field of AI regulation. - Fundamental to the success of AI, and its regulation, including ensuring its safety, reliability and trustworthiness are the crucial requirements of data quality, transparency and human oversight. This should be embedded in the EU’s approach to AI regulation. - The European Cancer Organisation welcomes efforts made to ensure that regulation is proportionate to risk, including for AI. Most applications of AI in clinical settings will be classified as high risk under this new regulation, meaning that a conformity assessment process will be required to permit the use of the AI function. It is of great importance that the conformity assessment process includes the possibility for healthcare professional views and perspectives to be taken into consideration during this decision-making. Healthcare professionals are not only a key end user, but also have high consciousness of the practical safety risks and ethical considerations. - Specific consideration is required on the integration of this new regulation with existing EU regulations in the field of health. An example in this regard is the Medical Devices Regulation which already regulates “AI with an intended medical purpose”. As the healthcare environment is already highly regulated, it is important that the AI Regulation does not overlap with other conformity assessment schemes and surveillance systems. Conflicting regulations should be avoided not to overcomplicate decisions in clinical settings.
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Response to Revision of Food Information to Consumers for what concerns labelling rules on alcoholic beverages

22 Jul 2021

The European Cancer Organisation (E.C.O.) congratulates the European Commission for its clear commitments within Europe's Beating Cancer Plan to take clear actions in support of cancer prevention, including reducing harmful alcohol consumption. Harmful alcohol consumption is a major public health problem in Europe, contributing to a great number of chronic conditions and injuries and being the third leading risk factor for disease and mortality in Europe (i). Alcohol consumption is a key factor in developing over 60 diseases and conditions, including 7 types of cancer: Mouth, Upper throat, Larynx, Oesophagus, Breast, Liver, and Colorectal Cancer. Globally, alcohol is responsible for almost 3 million deaths every year. Europe has the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the world. In the European Region, it accounts for around 8% of the cancer incidence, corresponding to 180 000 cancer cases and 92 000 cancer deaths per year (ii). Alcohol-attributable cancers and deaths can be prevented by reducing alcohol consumption, and using effective public policies to achieve this. To foster more informed consumer behaviours in respect to alcohol consumption, the European Cancer Organisation supports the inclusion of additional labelling information for consumers emphasising health warnings such as the link between alcohol consumption and cancer. Consumers should be provided with full and reliable information of this nature, and this context, should also be provided with easily accessible nutritional information, as they have a right to expect in relation to foodstuffs. The European Cancer Organisation therefore supports Option 2: “Revise the rules for all alcoholic beverages: revoke the exemption and require all indications on-label”. (i) https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2020/642388/IPOL_STU(2020)642388_EN.pdf (ii) https://www.europeancancer.org/resources/213:new-report-primary-prevention-united-for-action.html
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Meeting with Axel Voss (Member of the European Parliament) and European Society of Surgical Oncology

27 May 2021 · AI in cancer research

Response to Guidance on tackling disinformation

29 Apr 2021

The European Cancer Organisation congratulates the European Commission for its recognition of the great social harms that are created by online disinformation and its resolve to play an active role in combatting the most serious impacts via initiatives such as the Code of Practice on Disinformation. Disinformation can impact cancer care in many ways. Partially false, or misleading information about cancer treatments are common, and belief in health misinformation/disinformation may negatively alter a person’s cancer trajectory by influencing their medical decision making. Social media platforms are often a nexus for the spread of such disinformation. As an example, one research exercise found that of the 20 most shared articles on Facebook in 2016 with the word ‘cancer’ in the headline, more than half the reports were discredited by doctors and health authorities (i). Particular concerns about the impact of disinformation also relate to its damaging impacts on national and international efforts towards infectious disease elimination, with its association to increased vaccine hesitancy. For the cancer community, this applies in particular to the threat that online disinformation poses to the achievement of the WHO’s international goal of cervical cancer elimination, and the EU goal of eliminating HPV associated cancers. The moral obligation of social media platforms to continually upgrade their strategies in combatting online disinformation is clear, and has been thrown into even sharper relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. The HPV Action Network of the European Cancer Organisation, acutely conscious of the negative impacts of disinformation on vaccination uptake, has clearly called upon all social media platforms to respond fully to the moral obligation to act, and develop and implement effective strategies to combat the spread of disinformation accordingly (ii). The content of these strategies, and their implementation success, might be helpfully reported on publicly by such companies, in the course of their regular annual reporting exercises e.g. financial and other reports. The forthcoming Guidance by the Commission on the Code of Practice on Disinformation could helpfully encourage this as a further obligation, potentially according to some common indicators. This, in turn, could assist the Commission in making public assessment about the effectiveness of the Code, and the degree to which its aspired implementation is being achieved. It would also help improve transparency on a matter of significant public and research interest. We note the larger public debate on the efficacy of self-regulation as an approach to ensuring the fulfillment of the obligation of online platforms to act against disinformation. Criteria by which to judge whether or not the Code of Practice has succeeded or not should be established. If, in the near future, it becomes clear that the Code of Practice is not proving an effective tool, other approaches, including approaches with legislative underpinning, may need to be considered. (i) Katie Forster, Revealed: How dangerous fake health news conquered Facebook https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/fake-news-health-facebook-cruel-damaging-social-media-mike-adams-natural-health-ranger-conspiracy-a7498201.html (ii) https://www.europeancancer.org/2-standard/118-hpv-list-of-recommendations
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Response to Evaluation and revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation

27 Apr 2021

The European Cancer Organisation welcomes the forthcoming revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation. It is a chance to address a wide range of stakeholder concerns, and realise new opportunities in respect to patients’ access to outcome changing treatment. In responding to this Roadmap consultation we reinforce key points conveyed during 2020 in the period that the Commission was preparing its Pharmaceutical Strategy. Those points remain valid as stated intention is now converted into legal proposal. We strongly remind of the reality of cancer treatment as essentially multi-modal. Best outcomes for the patient are achieved by a range of interventions, including multidisciplinary care. So while we welcome attention to pressing policy needs for the pharmaceutical domain we encourage policy makers at both European and national level to also be ever mindful of the need for attention to all components of care and treatment. Policy makers should always strive for an holistic and comprehensive approach to improving outcomes for patients. Reminding briefly of our key recommendations of 2020 (attached), the legislative update, and connected policy efforts, should: 1. Be bold and ambitious This includes achieving a lasting upgrade of the modes of cooperation between member states in ensuring equitable and timely access for patients to medicines and other treatments. 2. Remodel incentive structures towards value & outcomes This includes more precisely aligning incentives to address many areas of persistent unmet need. Targeting of incentive should, as far as possible, apply regardless of the sector from which, and for, an innovation is developed e.g. whether in diagnostics, imaging, surgery, radiation therapy, medical treatment, IT application or other. In this respect we refer the Commission to forthcoming publication in the months ahead from the Health System and Treatment Optimisation Network of the European Cancer Organisation: https://bit.ly/3aJBnmk 3. Resolve the impasse on EU HTA cooperation 4. Leverage data and new tools in a more coherent and powerful way In cancer, treatment success is not only related to increasing survival, but also achieving meaningful improvements to, or protection of, a patient’s quality of life. To meet this need, there has been sustained development of the regulatory concept of Patient Reported Outcome Measures as a normalising part of the trial landscape. The forthcoming adaption of the predominating EU pharmaceutical legislation should seek to support the greater use of patient reported outcome measures as a means of elevating understanding of quality of life impacts within research and consideration of new treatment options. 5. Reduce Bureaucracy in the Clinical Trial Landscape Numerous barriers to the conduct of cancer and other health research across Europe are observable and should aim to be tackled within the context of updating the EU’s pharmaceutical-related regulatory landscape. Opportunities for doing so include further attention on reducing burdens and barriers associated to implementation of GDPR requirements, 6. Urgently address the medicines shortages crisis We welcome commitments by the European Commission to update the legal mandate of the European Medicines Agency to be active in this area and trust the final result of these efforts can be a radically improved environment in respect to information and transparency about medicines shortages. Further recommendations on medicines shortages, to which our organisation contributed, here: https://epha.org/position-medicine-shortages/ 7. Work with medical and healthcare professional societies and patient associations in creating the best possible set of changes We look forward to further engagement activity about the forthcoming changes and recommend targeted and transparent consultation activity related to differing and specific aspects of the prospective legal proposals and options to follow.
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Response to Labelling of alcoholic beverages (allusions)

23 Apr 2021

The European Cancer Organisation is responding to this consultation in order to restate our support for fresh EU level actions to improve the labelling of alcohol, especially where such measures can contribute towards a goal of achieving more informed consumer behaviour in respect to alcohol consumption. There is a clearly understood need to increase public awareness about the health harms associated to alcohol consumption. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has included acetaldehyde and ethanol – two chemical compounds commonly found in alcoholic drinks – within their List of Group 1 Carcinogens (i). Alcohol consumption is a key factor in developing over 60 diseases and conditions, including 7 types of cancer: Mouth, Upper throat, Larynx, Oesophagus, Breast, Liver, and Colorectal Cancer (CRC) (ii). Globally, alcohol is responsible for almost 3 million deaths every year, and in the European Region accounts for around 2545 deaths every day. In 2018 alone, around 180 000 cases of cancer and 92 000 cancer deaths were caused by alcohol in the Region (iii). Understanding that measures to improve the regulation of alcohol labelling will not meet the approval of all stakeholders, including producer interests, we urge the European Commission, European Parliament and EU Member States not to lose sight of the pressing public health needs to be met when it comes to alcohol consumption, and to remain ever mindful of the public health evidence supporting such action, such as described above. The opportunity for progress must not be lost to vested interest, or the promise of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan threatens to be compromised. (i) https://monographs.iarc.who.int/agents-classified-by-the-iarc/ (ii) https://gco.iarc.fr/today/home and https://www.europeancancerleagues.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MAC-Alcohol-Cancer-Report.pdf (iii) https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/alcohol-use/news/news/2020/11/new-whoeurope-factsheet-policy-action-needed-to-reduce-cancers-attributable-to-alcohol-use
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Response to Labelling of alcoholic beverages (compound terms)

23 Apr 2021

The European Cancer Organisation is responding to this consultation in order to restate our support for fresh EU level actions to improve the labelling of alcohol, especially where such measures can contribute towards a goal of achieving more informed consumer behaviour in respect to alcohol consumption. There is a clearly understood need to increase public awareness about the health harms associated to alcohol consumption. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has included acetaldehyde and ethanol – two chemical compounds commonly found in alcoholic drinks – within their List of Group 1 Carcinogens (i). Alcohol consumption is a key factor in developing over 60 diseases and conditions, including 7 types of cancer: Mouth, Upper throat, Larynx, Oesophagus, Breast, Liver, and Colorectal Cancer (CRC) (ii). Globally, alcohol is responsible for almost 3 million deaths every year, and in the European Region accounts for around 2545 deaths every day. In 2018 alone, around 180 000 cases of cancer and 92 000 cancer deaths were caused by alcohol in the Region (iii). Understanding that measures to improve the regulation of alcohol labelling will not meet the approval of all stakeholders, including producer interests, we urge the European Commission, European Parliament and EU Member States not to lose sight of the pressing public health needs to be met when it comes to alcohol consumption, and to remain ever mindful of the public health evidence supporting such action, such as described above. The opportunity for progress must not be lost to vested interest, or the promise of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan threatens to be compromised. (i) https://monographs.iarc.who.int/agents-classified-by-the-iarc/ (ii) https://gco.iarc.fr/today/home and https://www.europeancancerleagues.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MAC-Alcohol-Cancer-Report.pdf (iii) https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/alcohol-use/news/news/2020/11/new-whoeurope-factsheet-policy-action-needed-to-reduce-cancers-attributable-to-alcohol-use
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Meeting with Stella Kyriakides (Commissioner)

7 Apr 2021 · Exchange of views on Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and its implementation with the European Cancer Organisation and its Member Societies and Patient Advisory Committee

Response to A European Health Data Space

3 Feb 2021

The European Cancer Organisation congratulates the European Commission for taking bold initiative to better harness the power for improvement that stronger coordination of health data at the European level can achieve. In this sense, the proposed European Health Data Space offers great potential. In recognition of this, the European Cancer Organisation, and its Digital Health Network, intend to provide additional remarks and advice throughout 2021 but are pleased to be able to share some very short initial opening comments as the period of consultation on the proposal commences. In the full response of the European Cancer Organisation (link provided underneath) we: - Emphasise our support for the European Health Data Space proposal - Underline the centrality of patient centricity to the success of the European Health Data Space - Remind that the needs of the cancer community are many, varied and require specific consideration - Urge that trust be embedded deep within the Governance approach - Signal that achieving real time (or near real time) data sharing has been a major COVID-19 lesson - Request that the call from so many stakeholders be answered: Resolve the cited GDPR barriers - Encourage a thorough mapping and understanding of the European health data landscape to be achieved - Highlight that interoperability and standardisation remain major imperatives, including in respect to cancer registries - Make suggestions on how digital literacy needs may be met in tandem with the European Health Data Space initiative. We kindly ask that our association be listed among the interested stakeholder organisations to this proposal in respect to ongoing consultation activity by the Commission after 03 February 2020, as well as the mentioned studies to be undertaken. ** Our full response to this consultation is available here: https://bit.ly/36ElZFX
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Response to Setting of nutrient profiles

3 Feb 2021

The European Cancer Organisation supports the role and the need for the European Union in helping countries take bold actions on cancer prevention together, be this in respect to reducing tobacco and alcohol use, achieving greater protection against UV exposure and occupational cancer risk, the promotion of vaccine take up in respect to vaccine preventable cancers, and initiatives and measures to improve diet and exercise. As the Commission’s consultation roadmap document makes clear, over half of the adult population are now overweight. Excess body fat is associated with nine cancer sites (oesophagus, colorectum, gall bladder, pancreas, postmenopausal breast, endometrium, ovary, kidney and prostate [advanced stage]), accounting for an estimated 5-6.5% of the European cancer burden. Measures to improve the information available to consumer to assist them in making healthy dietary choices are clearly an important tool at Governments’ disposal to help drive positive behaviour changes. As stated in relevant representations made by European Cancer Organisation and its partners in 2020, such as the Strengthening Europe in the Fight Against Cancer study commissioned by the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee, the ECL’s Position Paper on Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the ECDA-EPHA-EONS-EPF-EUPHA Joint Letter to the AGRIFISH Council, this can notably be achieved by helping consumers to make informed choices about food products through the introduction of a standardised mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling system. We therefore express support for the Commission’s to bring about harmonised mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling, and the setting of nutrient profiles. We join with other organisations focused on the public health interest, such as the European Chronic Disease Alliance, in calling for an EU level system of front-of-pack food labelling that is mandatory for all EU member states, interpretative and uniform. Interpretive schemes that provide information to help consumers understand how healthy/unhealthy a product is, such as Nutri-Score, make the nutritional information immediately understandable and will significantly support the success and achievement of purpose of front-of-pack labelling. Exemptions from the labelling requirements should be very carefully limited to prevent undermining of its purpose and uniform reference values (e.g. per 100g or ml) should be indicated for all products. When considering obesity and cancer, we remind of the overall need for policy makers to understand, as well as prevention measures, the need for attention to obesity as a gateway condition for cancer, and as a significant co-morbidity. We refer to the European Association for the Study of Obesity as an important source of expertise and reference in these matters. We kindly ask that our association be listed among the interested stakeholder organisations to this proposal in respect to ongoing consultation activity by the Commission after 03 February 2020.
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Response to Proposal for a Regulation on serious cross-border threats to health

2 Feb 2021

The European Cancer Organisation supports the actions being taken by the European Commission to analyse structural shortcomings in how the EU conducts health cooperation, exposed in light of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic experience. We agree with the assessment that the legislative framework to govern action at Union level on preparedness, surveillance, risk assessment, and early warning and responses should be comprehensively updated. We cannot afford not to learn the lessons of the pandemic. Its impact has been disastrous across so many areas, including devastating impacts for cancer care in all countries. Attention should be provided to range of matters that are typically considered by the European Commission as cross border health threats. Alongside common pan-national challenges such as pandemics and antimicrobial resistance should also be considered medicines, products and workforce shortages, and cross-country issues such as tackling vaccine misinformation. In the conduct of initiatives envisaged under the proposal, such as greater coordination of national and EU preparedness plan, principles of openness and transparency will be paramount. Cases of countries and EU ‘marking their own homework’ should be avoided. Open scrutiny can avoid potentially overlooked pandemic and health threat impacts from not receiving due attention within contingency and other planning exercises. For example, organisations such as the European Cancer Organisation, its member societies and associated patient representative bodies will always be able to provide expert insights on cancer service impacts. Such contribution to preparedness should be openly welcomed rather than discouraged. We further urge and encourage serious consideration be now given to EU Treaty Change to support a European Union more empowered to help countries achieve the most meaningful cooperation on common health challenges such as cancer and other disease areas. Additionally, reflection is required as to how existing tools at the EU’s disposal can be better employed to support strong and resilient healthcare systems. This includes such matters as addressing critical shortages in the health workforce. The European Cancer Organisation has recommended, as well as DG EMPL mechanisms for tackling skills shortages, the Professional Qualifications Directive be more positively deployed as a means for encouraging professional qualification harmonisation and mobility. The high range of barriers to achieving recognition under this Directive should be addressed. We kindly ask that our association be listed among the interested stakeholder organisations to this proposal in respect to ongoing consultation activity by the Commission after 02 February 2020.
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Response to Proposal for a Regulation on a Union framework addressing public health emergencies (EMA)

2 Feb 2021

It is greatly welcomed that the mandate of the European Medicines Agency is proposed to be updated in light of the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the enormity of the pandemic’s impact, including for cancer patients across Europe, we cannot afford not to learn the lessons of 2020’s events rapidly and make necessary changes. As highlighted in our report on COVID-19’s impact The 7-Point Plan to Address the Urgency and Build Back Better, specific medicines shortages brought about as a consequence of the pandemic have been one of the numerous highlighted impacts of the crisis. Yet shortages of medicines have been undermining treatment and care in Europe, across disease areas, for many years. Delays and interruptions to chemotherapy can be greatly detrimental to the patients’ treatment and highly distressing for them, their families and carers. It is also rightly pointed out that shortages of medicinal products can result in serious risks to the health of patients in the Union due to their lack of availability, which can cause, medication errors, increased duration of hospital stays, and adverse reactions caused by the administration of unsuitable products used as a substitute for unavailable ones. The case for elevated EU action on the cross border healthcare threat posed by medicines shortages is abundantly clear. Shortages in medical devices have also been experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and combining a role for the EMA in helping countries manage such situations is a welcome move, addressing what might otherwise be a concerning ‘responsibility gap’. We urge a transparent approach to the reporting of shortages in both cases. Patients and healthcare professionals should be able to easily access such monitoring information in order to inform practice and provide the best advice to patients. We would welcome some textual amendment to the proposal to embed that public and transparent form of shortages reporting from the outset. Given the public health significance of their actions and decisions, we also urge transparency in approach and operation in respect to all Steering Groups and Committees described in the draft proposal. Further improvements to the way in which cross-border clinical trials are conducted and managed is also to be encouraged. Where case studies during the COVID-19 period have demonstrated benefit in the adaptation of regulatory approaches, such as in respect to how the Agency liaises with international collaborations, this should certainly be an important part of the EMA reform programme. Overall, as a general commentary on the role of the EMA in pandemic scenarios, proactive publication of clinical data for COVID-19 medicines has been an important element of that agency’s response and should be embedded more widely as an approach to both transparency and enhancing therapeutic development
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Response to Proposal for a Regulation establishing a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

2 Feb 2021

The European Cancer Organisation supports the Commission’s proposal to reinforce the mandate of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agency has proved the value of its role in areas such as rapid information collection and sharing, guidance, and advice. The near real-time sharing of such data has been especially commendable and should serve as an exemplar for other EU data initiatives in the field of health. Specific proposals, such as a new vaccine monitoring platform hosted jointly by the European Medicines Agency and ECDC, and monitoring and assessing health systems capacity, and identifying population groups at risk and in need of targeted prevention and response measures, are welcomed. Relevance to cancer from both proposals is identified. ECDC has provided meaningful support to countries in the shared ambition of eliminating HPV associated cancers as a public health problem via their monitoring and guidance functions and this should be built upon. A clearer role for the ECDC in helping countries to protect at-risk groups during pandemics, such as cancer patients, is encouraged. However, we find the proposal limited in the sense that a strong case exists for the mandate of the ECDC to be opened beyond only providing assistance on communicable disease. The powerful epidemiological surveillance systems and architecture have the potential for significant benefit if also applied to the areas of non-communicable disease. The 2019 independent evaluation of ECDC highlighted the support from a wide range of stakeholders for the extension of the ECDC’s mandate in this direction, particularly in the areas of health promotion, information & monitoring, and health determinants. The European Parliament has also asked that ECDC be empowered to tackle the gaps in chronic disease epidemiology. We also raise the attention of the European Commission to the public declaration of support for ECDC’s remit to include roles in non-communicable disease data collection published by the European Chronic Disease Alliance last year. It emphasises, for example, the interlinkage between communicable and non-communicable disease impacts, as has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. We, therefore, urge that the legal proposal updating the ECDC mandate include enhanced wording to better enable the Agency to conduct activity in areas related to non-communicable disease without fear of stepping outside of its mandate. The silos, in this respect, should be broken down.
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Meeting with Stella Kyriakides (Commissioner)

23 Sept 2020 · The Commissioner delivers a speech at the launch of the European Code of Cancer Practice virtual event

Response to Pharmaceutical Strategy - Timely patient access to affordable medicines

7 Jul 2020

The European Cancer Organisation welcomes the commitment to producing a new EU Pharmaceutical Strategy, and the accompanying commitment to public consultation on its content. This is an encouraging recognition of not only the range of concerns that exist in relation to such issues as access, affordability, availability, transparency, and the research, incentive and regulation frameworks in operation. It also acknowledges the opportunities being highlighted by new tools, approaches and proposed paradigms, such as better use of data tools and patient reported outcomes. This response includes comment relating to the current research landscape for pharmaceutical (and other) treatment in Europe, noting opportunities to reduce burden and improve access to clinical trials. In responding to this consultation, we wish to strongly express that in respect of cancer, as in other disease conditions, treatment is multi-modal and best outcomes for the patient are achieved by a range of interventions, including multidisciplinary care. So while welcoming attention to pressing policy needs for the pharmaceutical domain we encourage policy makers at both European and national level to be ever mindful of the need for attention to all components of care and treatment. Distortion of policy attention in this respect, should be avoided. Policy makers should always strive for an holistic and comprehensive approach to improving outcomes for patients. Related to this, we emphasise the importance of the new EU Pharmaceutical Strategy not sitting in isolation. It should be considered and understood to be part of a broader need to re-orientate and improve health systems generally. This includes an overall need to improve the balance of incentives to ensure that access to improvements in ALL treatment modalities is achieved, and across the care continuum i.e. in respect to prevention, detection, diagnosis and follow up care. For this reason it is important that the Pharmaceutical Strategy seek coherence with other EU initiatives such as digital, research and industrial strategies, and of course, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. A common overall social purpose and vision should be pursued by these strategies, encompassing improved access of citizens and patients to improved treatments and care. The attached response articulates 7 key recommendations. 1. Ensure the new EU Pharmaceutical Strategy is ambitious and comprehensive 2. Remodel the incentive structures further towards value and outcomes, and support innovation in all areas of treatment and care 3. Resolve the current political impasse on the HTA cooperation proposal 4. Leverage data and new tools in a more coherent and powerful way 5. Reduce bureaucracy in the clinical trial landscape 6. Urgently address the medicines shortages crisis 7. Work with medical and healthcare professional societies and patient associations as equal partners in creating the best possible changes
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Meeting with Stella Kyriakides (Commissioner)

27 May 2020 · VC meeting with 28 ECCO member societies and 17 patient advocacy groups to discuss Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the impact of COVID on cancer care and oncology patients

Meeting with Stella Kyriakides (Commissioner) and

8 Jan 2020 · Discussion on cancer

Meeting with Annika Nowak (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis)

23 Mar 2018 · Next European Cancer Summit