ECL Manifesto 2024 | Association of European Cancer Leagues

A new case of cancer is diagnosed in the European Union (EU) every nine seconds. Cancer mortality is set to increase by more than 24% by 2035, making it the leading cause of death in the EU. With the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP), the EU has strengthened its fight against cancer.

However, many challenges in cancer prevention, treatment, and quality of life after diagnosis remain and need to be addressed. Therefore, the timely rollout of remaining initiatives under the EBCP and their effective implementation are crucial and should remain on top of the political agenda for the upcoming legislature.

The Association of European Cancer Leagues urges the policymakers in the 2024-2029 legislative cycle to:
– Make Europe a leader in innovative cancer research
– Help to improve the National Cancer Control Programmes
– Take all the necessary steps to enable healthy choices for all
– Promote intersectoral policies that protect planetary health
– Address inequalities in early detection of cancer
– Improve cancer care through national Comprehensive Cancer Infrastructures
– Jointly buy expensive treatments with high added value
– Address unmet medical needs and foster multiple pathways for medicines development
– Harmonise training and care guidelines for supportive cancer care
– Empower patients and survivors to live with and beyond cancer
– Guarantee social, labour, and financial protection and inclusion of those touched by cancer.