The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) has awarded Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, with the ECL Honorary Award in recognition of her efforts to intensify Europe’s fight against cancer through the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
5 November 2024
With more than 2.7 million new cases and 1.3 million deaths in 2020 alone, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the EU after cardiovascular diseases. Unless decisive action is taken, cancer mortality is projected to rise by more than 24% by 2035, creating a huge threat to people and our society. The European Cancer Leagues (ECL) Honorary Award is awarded annually to recognise individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to advancing cancer prevention, treatment, and research.
“I am truly humbled and deeply honoured to receive the European Cancer Leagues Honorary Award. The European Cancer Leagues do incredible work for cancer policy across Europe, by connecting national cancer societies working for patients, thereby amplifying and strengthening their voices. It’s a mission that could not be closer to my heart as my own cancer experience has always been a big part of my journey”, said Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, upon digitally receiving the award as part of the ECL Annual General Assembly that was hosted by the Italian League Against Tumours (LILT) on 31 October in Rome, Italy.
“It also defined my mission in being a voice for patients, and in speaking for them in politics and policy. For myself the personal quickly became the political. Over the last five years I have strived to deliver on this mission through Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and making it an integral part of a strong European Health Union. Day by day, we worked to change the realities of cancer for patients and their families across the EU, ensuring equal access to the highest standard of screening and treatment programmes, and quality of life. I am convinced that we have achieved a great deal, but that still a lot remains to be done. Together, we must not relent in keeping the fight against cancer at the top of the European political agenda for every patient, every family, and every carer.”
Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, launched in February 2021, has been a cornerstone in the EU’s mission to prevent and mitigate its impacts across the continent. Despite significant progress, many challenges in cancer prevention, treatment, and quality of life after diagnosis remain and need to be addressed. The swift implementation of the remaining initiatives under the Beating Cancer Plan is essential and must remain a top priority on the political agenda in the new EU legislative term.
For further information, please contact Ivonne Leenen, Communications Officer at the European Cancer Leagues (ECL): ivonne(at)cancer.eu
