Uniting the political will to fight Cancer in Europe

Throughout 2010 The Parliament Magazine hosted roundtable debates in three EU capitals (London, Paris and Bratislava). The roundtables explored a wide range of national cancer challenges and developments and communicated the work that the EU is undertaking to assist member states with improved prevention, incidence and outcomes in cancer. We invited MEPs to host each of the roundtables and to act as ‘rapporteurs’ for a concluding Brussels conference. We were delighted with their engagement in this project and look forward to their recommendations in Brussels.

The concluding conference in Brussels provided a forum for debate for further action required at EU level, especially in the context of the EU Partnership and highlighted the need for political unity in the fight against cancer in Europe. The conference will be hosted by Mr Miroslav Mikolášik MEP.

Part one provided the MEP ‘rapporteur’ overview of each of the roundtables and set the scene for responses at EU level in part two. Part three looked to the future and how citizens of Europe along with their Governments can unite to fight cancer.

It is hoped that the outcomes from this event will assist the EU and member states in their ongoing policies to reduce the disparities in cancer incidence, treatment and outcomes and foster the ongoing positive spirit of MEPs and stakeholders.

Click here to view photos from the event

Presentations

Coordinating the European Cancer Partnership: From Conception to Implementation
Nataša Hace

Does one size fit all? Is it feasible to create a 'blueprint' for National Cancer Control Plans?
Christaan De Coster

Implementing effective psychosocial care into a cancer plan
Sofie Eelen

Practical cancer care for the patient and their family
Dr Clair Watts

Working in Partnership for Cancer Prevention
Dr Wendy Tse Yared

Putting the patient first, uniting the power of cancer patient groups in Europe
Louis Denis

Progress during the Belgian EU Presidency
Christiaan De Coster