By Frieda Brepoels - 24th November 2008
“The major challenge is the lack of knowledge on rare cancers. That is why the parliament called for stepping up research efforts under the seventh framework programme into these rare conditions”
MEP Frieda Brepoels
Every year 3.2 million European citizens are diagnosed with cancer. Evidence shows that this burden is not spread equally across Europe and, that not all types of cancer receive the same level of attention.
A lot has been done on raising awareness of the so-called “big” cancers such as breast, colorectal and prostate cancer, with successful results. However, other types of cancer, mostly rare cancers, are much less visible and sometimes even neglected.
The consequences are very worrisome: there is limited medical and scientific knowledge, a lack of expertise, and fewer available resources for rare cancers. Patients face enormous difficulties in receiving adequate information, a sound diagnosis and appropriate access to referral centres.
The challenges ahead are significant, even more so since rare diseases represent collectively one fourth of all cancer cases. It is thus crucial to put them as high on the political agenda as other types of cancer and to develop a comprehensive approach towards cancer.
Therefore, I warmly welcomed the ESMO initiative in organising a conference on rare tumours. Through the platform MEPs Against Cancer (MAC), we have engaged ourselves to fight against all cancers, including rare cancers. For the last four years we have been working very hard to create political will across the EU to fight cancer more effectively.
The adoption of the parliament’s resolution on combating cancer in the enlarged EU on 10 April of this year is a major step forward. The resolution includes 42 recommendations to both the European commission and member states. Many of these recommendations are directly applicable to rare cancers but we also recommended some specific actions for these rare conditions.”
The major challenge is the lack of knowledge on rare cancers. That is why the parliament called for stepping up research efforts under the seventh framework programme into these rare conditions, so that we understand them better, enhance early diagnosis and find effective treatments or even cures.
I also see some very concrete possibilities in the proposal for a directive on cross-border health care and patient mobility, which is currently being discussed in the parliament.
It makes good sense for Europe to act together and join efforts in the field of rare cancers and indeed all rare diseases. The establishment of networks for the transfer of knowledge, the funding of these networks and the access to quality of care are crucial in this regard.
I also welcome the commission’s communication on rare diseases which was adopted on November 11. The communication asks to improve the visibility of rare diseases and exchange resources and expertise.
European coordination will definitely extend the knowledge and expertise of professionals and enhance the treatment of patients. Finally, I also have high expectations on the EU Action Plan on Cancer which is forecasted for 2009.
I strongly believe we currently have an enormous window of opportunity to act. I hope that joint actions for rare cancers will bring about a speedier diagnosis and improve the treatment which is currently available for patients.
We must not forget that the lives of several million European citizens are at stake. The current possibilities to improve research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment provide new hope for many patients.
