Brussels, 31 January 2024 (MIA) - Ahead of World Cancer Day - February 4, the European Commission is organizing on Wednesday a high-level conference entitled "Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan: Joining Forces", to take stock of Europe’s efforts to improve the lives of everyone touched by cancer and to take the lead in the fight against this disease.  

European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, will host the event, which will also feature a video address by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola.  

According to the European Commission, changing the realities of cancer is one of its main priorities in the health domain. Thus, the conference also marks the third anniversary of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, which is a political commitment to turn the tide against cancer. 

Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, is set to deliver a keynote speech, and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, whose country currently holds the EU Presidency, will deliver concluding remarks. 

The conference will bring together cancer patients, healthcare experts, national authorities, and representatives from international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), alongside officials from various EU bodies.

The agenda highlights several topics for discussion: the impact of collaborative efforts under the EU’s Cancer Plan on cancer treatment across member states, enhancing care for pediatric cancer patients, the significance of high-quality cancer screenings, access to psychosocial oncology services, fostering international partnerships, and the crucial goal of reducing health disparities.

Photo: MIA archive