Birgitta Sacrédeus discusses CoR Opinion on Europe's Cancer Beating Plan at the European Parliament
"We need to make the most of research and scientific advances, as well as possibilities offered by digitalisation at all levels of governance through knowledge centres to facilitate initiatives to fight cancer together. EU network of centres of excellence will facilitate cross-border cooperation and patient mobility, and improve access to quality diagnostics and treatments thus helping to tackle inequalities across Europe." Birgitta Sacrédeus, the European Committee of the Regions' (CoR) Rapporteur on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan made these remarks during a meeting of the European Parliament's Special Committee on Beating Cancer.
In the presence of Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, MEPs and National elected representatives, Sacrédeus discussed how strengthening EU cooperation is key to tackle national, regional and social inequalities in cancer prevention and care. In her remarks Sacrédeus a Regional Councillor at the Region of Dalarna, Sweden said that everyone, no matter where they live, should have the same right to specialist cancer care, diagnosis and treatment, and equal access to medicines. "Existing inequalities need to be urgently addressed and we are calling on the European Commission to launch the planned Cancer Inequalities Registry as soon as possible."
Sacrédeus recalled that in 19 out of 27 Member States, health systems are to a greater or lesser extent decentralised. In this regard she said "The framework for the European Health Union, must factor in the responsibility of local and regional authorities (LRAs) for public health. The national, regional and social inequalities in cancer prevention and cancer care need to be addressed and this requires multi-level and multi-sectoral cooperation and coordination."
From her end, Commissioner Kyriakides said that 8 months on, Europe's cancer beating plan was in motion. She stressed that the pandemic had clearly shown the power of collaboration. She added that the collaborative approach is key to implement Europe's beating cancer plan. Kyriakides expressed confidence in the commitment of LRAs and local communities to make Europe beating cancer plan a success. The Commissioner said that working closely with LRAs will benefit ongoing activity greatly, including in promoting a healthy lifestyle. In this regard, Sacrédeus said that while initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle are welcome, there should be more collaboration between health and social services, especially at the local and regional level, to raise people's awareness of healthy lifestyle and inform them how to reduce their cancer risk.
Sacrédeus outlined how the CoR opinion suggests exploring the possibility to extend the EU's common procurement system, conduct joint price negotiations and create a strategic reserve also for cancer medicines, taking into account the different needs across Europe.
The CoR Rapporteur stressed that Europe's Cancer Beating plan can only be fulfilled through strong and dedicated cooperation at EU, national and regional level, including cross-border cooperation. "Stronger multi-level and multi-sectoral cooperation and coordination is necessary to boost cancer research, innovation and new technologies, to improve our odds against cancer and reduce disparities in cancer prevention and care" concluded Sacrédeus.