Against the backdrop of the 2024 European Elections, and to mark the European Week Against Cancer (EWAC), which takes place between 25 and 31 May each year, Professor Jean-Yves Blay gave an interview to one of the leading Brussels media outlets - Euractiv - and outlined how medical oncologists’ expertise can help to optimise Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) to effectively tackle the scourge of cancer and achieve optimal cancer care for all in conjunction with the organisation’s priority areas listed in the ESMO’s Manifesto for a Healthier Europe, including prevention, patients’ rights and research with an increased budget of the future research programme with specific provisions for rare cancers, personalised cancer therapies, and use of AI to support clinical decision-making.
Professor Blay addressed the importance of rare cancers, including particular challenges of diagnosis and treatment of rare cancers to be tackled through greater cooperation at the EU level, with the support of the ESMO Rare Cancers Working Group, as it is recognised that progress has been made in the current mandate, however the BCP does not have a dedicated action area for rare cancers.
The interview precedes a call by ESMO on the forthcoming Hungarian Presidency of the EU, which will start on 1 July 2024, to address Europe’s cancer burden when presiding over the Council of the EU. Specifically, the Society recommended action to support the oncology workforce, enhance cancer research through the upcoming 10th EU Framework Programme, improve vaccination against cancer-causing viruses, and reduce tobacco consumption in Europe.
ESMO is committed to working with the new EU legislature on the implementation of the EBCP and achieving the best possible care for patients with cancer.