MEPs Against Cancer (MAC), a European Parliament Interest Group bringing together Members of EU Parliament pushing for increased action towards a Europe free of cancer, have appointed a new Chair and three vice-chairs for the new EU legislative term.
14 November 2024
The MEPs Against Cancer Interest Group was founded in 2005 and remains the oldest and largest group of politicians dedicated to cancer prevention and care at the European Parliament. The group, the secretariat of which is hosted by the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL), plays a vital role in ensuring the fight against cancer remains high on the political agenda.
“As Chair of MEPs Against Cancer, I will focus on further advancing Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan by prioritising prevention, equitable access to treatment, and comprehensive support for cancer survivors. Through the European Parliament’s oversight role and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, we will work toward meaningful improvements in cancer care across Europe”, says MEP Romana Jerkovic, new Chair of MEPs Against Cancer and member of the S&D group.
“Prioritising cancer prevention, treatment and patient support is not just about saving lives; it’s about building a healthier, more resilient future for everyone. We must ensure the fight against cancer, one of the leading causes of death across Europe, stays on top of the European political agenda”, says Toma Mikalauskaitė, Senior Policy Officer at the Association of European Cancer Leagues and coordinator of the MEPs Against Cancer secretariat.
“My vision to tackle cancer inequalities in Europe aims for equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment across all countries, regardless of their size or location. Through collaboration, improved access to screenings, and targeted initiatives, we can address the social determinants of health affecting cancer outcomes. No one should be left behind”, says MEP Loucas Fourlas, new Vice-Chair of MEPs Against Cancer and member of the European People’s Party.
“40% of cancers can be prevented and with early treatment cancer can even be cured. We will work together to ensure equal rights for all patients. Our struggle is not easy, but we will continue until health is ensured as a public, social good and a human right for all”, says MEP Giorgos Georgiou, new Vice-Chair of MEPs Against Cancer and member of the GUE/NGL group.
“I am committed to championing the fight against cancer through a holistic and forward-thinking approach as Vice-Chair of MEPs Against Cancer (MAC). With a profound dedication to public health and social equity, my vision centres on primary prevention, addressing environmental risk factors, and ensuring universal access to affordable medicines for cancer patients across Europe”, says MEP Tilly Metz, returning Vice-Chair of MEPs Against Cancer and member of the Greens/European Free Alliance.
A full list of members of MEPs Against Cancer can be found here.
For more information, please contact Ivonne Leenen, Communications Officer at the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL): ivonne@cancer.eu
The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) is honoured to have been appointed by the MEPs Against Cancer group to provide secretarial support since 2010. ECL is a Brussels‐based non‐profit organisation that represents national cancer societies across Europe. Transparency register number: 19265592757-25
