Parliament calls for continued EU action to fight cancer

Need for a dedicated EU health programme in the EU’s next long-term budget

Improve access to treatments for cancer patients across Europe

Reduce financial discrimination for cancer survivors

In 2024, 2.7 million people were diagnosed with cancer in the EU and 1.27 million people died of it.

MEPs want the EU to renew its political commitment, funding and coordination to support full implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

With 427 votes in favour, 15 against and 93 abstentions, on Thursday Parliament adopted a resolution marking this year’s World Cancer Day (4 February).

Dedicated health funding in the EU’s next long-term budget

To ensure continuity and predictable investment in flagship EU initiatives, such as Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, MEPs call for a dedicated EU health programme in the 2028-2034 EU long-term budget. They want the Commission and EU countries to recognise health and oncology care as social investment objectives achievable through the national and regional partnership plans (NRPPs), including support for long-term cancer infrastructure, such as vaccination and screening programmes, workforce development and robust oncology data systems.

Enhance access to medicines, innovative therapies and cross-border cancer care

Parliament reiterates its call to ensure fair, timely and affordable access to oncological medicines and innovative therapies across the EU. The Commission, in cooperation with EU countries, should facilitate voluntary joint procurement, promote price transparency and support faster market entry for life-saving cancer treatments.

MEPs also call for easier cross-border access to specialised cancer care and clinical trials, in particular for rare and complex cancers.

Strengthen the “right to be forgotten” for cancer survivors

The EU and member states must do more to protect cancer survivors across Europe from financial discrimination, including by applying the “right to be forgotten”, the resolution says. It also calls for a harmonised framework guaranteeing cancer survivors access to financial services, including mortgages, loans and insurance.

Background

Cancer is currently the second leading cause of mortality in the EU, after cardiovascular diseases. In 2024, around 2.7 million people were diagnosed with cancer in the EU and around 1.27 million died of it. Parliament’s Public Health Committee is currently preparing an implementation report to assess the progress of EU initiatives.