MEPs campaign to combat "cancer epidemic"

1.52.30pm GMT Wed 22nd Mar 2006

From left to right: Alojz Peterle MEP, co-chair of MEPs Against Cancer; Lynn Faulds Wood, President of the European Cancer Patients Coalition; Adamos Adamou MEP, co-chair of MEPs Against Cancer; Liz Lynne MEP, co-chair of MEPs Against Cancer; Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection

The European Union can do much more to prevent the predicted "cancer epidemic", Liz Lynne MEP, co-chair of MEPs Against Cancer, said today at the all-party group's first conference.

Forty four Euro MPs have pledged to support the campaign, which aims to tackle the differences in survival rates across member states. Today's conference also heard from EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou.

Every day, 5,500 people across Europe are diagnosed with cancer, and over 3,000 die from the disease.

MEPs Against Cancer are calling for the European Commission to set up a Cancer Task Force and to promote the European Code Against Cancer. The group is also calling for member states to implement the 2003 Council Recommendation on Cancer Screening, for colon, cervical and breast cancer.

Speaking in Brussels today, Liz Lynne said:

"Everyone knows a cancer sufferer - a family member or perhaps a friend. This is an issue which affects us all. Cancer is already the second biggest killer in Europe. With an ageing population, the need for concerted action has never been more urgent."

"Member states are ultimately responsible for health policy, but there are strong initiatives which can be taken at an EU level and we could be doing much more. Unequal survival rates across Europe are unacceptable.

"Hundreds of thousands of lives could be saved if all cancer patients had access to the best treatment. Cancer professionals know what needs to be done, and it is up to us to ensure they can do it."

ENDS