Doubling down on the cancer challenge: How to ensure sustained commitment in Central Eastern Europe
The 5th European Cancer Forum provided an important opportunity to evaluate the progress made since the launch of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan initiative and discuss further actions needed in the fight against cancer. The event brought together over 100 participants and 20 speakers from various backgrounds, including the European Parliament and OECD, patient representatives, healthcare professionals, and health economists to discuss: “Is Europe on track to beat cancer?"
Rising cancer incidence and aging population
Cancer cases in Europe are on the rise, predicted to increase by almost 20% by 2040[4], and the continent is experiencing rapid aging. It is estimated that about one in three men and one in four women in the EU will be diagnosed with cancer before reaching the age of 75 years[1], with higher mortality rates expected to occur in Eastern Europe. This highlights the urgent need for effective cancer prevention and treatment strategies in the region.
Increasing policy focus on tackling cancer
European policymakers have become increasingly aware of the importance of addressing cancer and have implemented new initiatives in this area. Manfred Weber, Chairman of the European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament and one of the founding fathers of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, emphasised the continued need to deliver results for European patients. He called on policymakers and partners in the healthcare systems to capitalise on the resilience momentum from the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the EU's health policies.
Potential shift in health agenda
While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rapid expansion of the EU's role in health policy, some foresee a potential shift away from health priorities due to economic, environmental, or societal crises to be addressed both within Europe and globally. However, given the predicted increase in cancer incidence by nearly 20% in the EU-27 by 2040, now is not the time to scale back efforts, especially in Central Eastern Europe. Failing to take action could lead to a significant rise in cancer-related mortality.
Importance of rigorous oversight and focus on cancer screening:?
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from various political factions emphasised the critical need for rigorous oversight in implementing Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. They highlighted the challenges posed by competing priorities in the EU’s health agenda. Radka Maxová, a member of the center-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Group from Czech Republic, called the need to focus on enhancing cancer screening, especially for women's cancers, and expanding studies on gender disparities in healthcare. Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, a Spanish MEP of the conservative European Conservatives and Reformists Group, echoed the need to boost screening as a fundamental way to reduce the cancer burden; early detection and timely treatment significantly increase the chance of surviving and curing cancer after all.
Addressing inequalities in cancer care & the importance of data?
Central Eastern European countries face disparities in cancer screening. Countries like Bulgaria and Slovakia reported worryingly low screening rates of below 25% for breast cancer, while Nordic countries like Denmark and Finland have much higher rates exceeding 80%. Closing this gap in screening uptake could potentially avert almost a quarter of breast cancer-related deaths.[2]
Access to cancer medicines also varies among countries in Europe. Thomas Hofmarcher, Research Director at the Swedish Institute for Health Economics, stressed that, in July 2022, the degree of reimbursement status for novel cancer medicines assessed across 124 indications differed from 64% of indications reimbursed in Czechia, to 40% in Hungary, 51% in Poland, and only 19% in Slovakia.[3] Cristian-Silviu Bu?oi, a Romanian MEP of the centre-right EPP group, emphasised the importance of both strategic and policy support to address inequalities across the entire cancer care continuum.
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Moving forward, more comprehensive data is needed to enable decision-makers to invest in the right set of health interventions. The European Cancer Inequalities Registry and the European Health Data Space project represent important initiatives, supporting the quest towards progress in cancer prevention and management.
Progress in Central Eastern Europe?
Central Eastern European countries have made progress in cancer care by implementing commitments made in National Cancer Plans and increased prevention efforts in the region. It is crucial to ensure that defeating cancer remains a top priority amidst shifting political and societal dynamics in healthcare.
As a continent, Europe has made strides in tackling cancer -but more needs to be done. It’s essential to maintain a steadfast commitment to combating cancer and prioritise initiatives such as cancer screening, reducing inequalities, and fostering data-driven decision-making. By continuing to prioritise the fight against cancer, Europe can make significant progress in reducing its impact on patients, their families, and our societies!
Author: Jasper Kunow, Associate Vice-President, Central Eastern Europe cluster, MSD
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