"Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in EU countries after cardiovascular diseases. Without decisive action, cancer cases are set to increase by 24% by 2035. In 19 out of the 27 member states, local and regional authorities are responsible for health. They can therefore contribute in the fight against cancer and in preventive measures." Birgitta Sacrédeus, European Committee of the Regions Rapporteur for Europe's Beating Cancer Plan made these remarks during an exchange of views during the NAT Commission meeting.
Sacrédeus who is Member of Dalarna Regional Council said that it is broadly recognised that local and regional authorities have an important role to play in the field of disease prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles which is key to fight cancer adding that the farm to fork strategy is also vital in this regard.
The rapporteur added that the opinion will look into availability of regional statistics and HPV vaccination programme for girls and boys. Furthermore, since early detection is key to fight cancer, screening programmes for breast-, cervical- and colorectal cancer in cities and regions will be also tackled among other issues. Good practices such as cancer package to patients and personalised medicine will also be outlined. Sacrédeus pointed out that due to the pandemic, there were now long waiting lists of patients waiting for treatment and this had to be addressed.
Patrick Child, Deputy Director-General, DG RTD, European Commission spoke on Horizon Europe's, Mission on Cancer. He said that local and regional mission actions can include development and implementation of effective cancer prevention strategies, development of novel approaches for screening and early detection programmes and implementation of personalised medicine approaches.
John F. Ryan, Director, DG SANTE, European Commission said that Europe's Beating Cancer Plans has 4 pillars these being prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment as well as quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. He said that actions that can be taken include sharing of data, launching research partnerships through Horizon Europe, improving air quality and reducing workers' exposure of hazardous substances.
Earlier during the meeting, Radim Sršeň, Mayor of Dolní Studénky Municipal Council said that organic farming should be supported by local and regional authorities as well as introduced in schools to teach future generations about a healthy lifestyle.