ESCP has endorsed an ‘election manifesto’ that was introduced by the MEPs Against Cancer (MAC) interest group in the European Parliament. The manifesto sets out demands to tackle the scourge of cancer given Europe accounts for 23.4% of global cancer cases.
Launched in January, the manifesto is titled ‘Beating Cancer: Mission Possible’ and calls for greater attention to prevention and cancer control in Europe.
The manifesto entails a list of demands, to be met by the new Parliament after the elections. It especially addresses inequalities across Europe with differences in access to cancer treatment and early detection services.
In addition, the MEPs highlight prevention as a key to efficient cancer control, focussing on health determents such as alcohol, tobacco and foods high in saturated fats, as well as equal access to quality cancer screenings and early detection services across all European countries.
ESCP is echoing the issues raised in the manifesto and stresses the need for effective prevention. Cancer types such as colorectal cancer are very common and could be prevented through greater public awareness and early diagnosis.
Professor Peter Christensen, Chair of the Communications Committee at European Society of Coloroctology (ESCP) and also Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. says:
“Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer, as well the second cause of death from cancer, in Europe. Every year, there are a quarter of a million new cases diagnosed. Moreover, persistent differences in the survival of patients across Europe suggest that there are health inequalities that could be reduced through coordinated European action.
“Last year I participated in Colorectal Cancer Europe Roundtable in Brussels. There we recommended further support for collaborative training and research, enhancing screening programmes and implementing quality control protocols to disseminate best practise with the patient perspective at the heart of all of these of these initiatives.
“We’re proud to support this MAC manifesto which seeks to raise awareness of these issues on a Europe-wide level.”
