Brussels: Ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the European Commission has announced an update to the European Code Against Cancer. This revised code offers practical methods for preventing the disease, formed over four years by more than 60 European public health experts. These guidelines, grounded in scientific evidence, are specifically designed for the EU's population and health systems.
According to Cyprus News Agency, cancer represents a significant public health issue within the EU, with projections indicating around 2.7 million new cancer cases and 1.3 million deaths related to cancer in 2024. The economic impact of cancer is significant, estimated at £100 billion annually in Europe, alongside the emotional toll it takes on individuals and their families.
World Cancer Day 2026 also signifies the fifth anniversary of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, which has positively influenced the continent. Through this plan, over £2.7 billion has been devoted to enhancing prevention, early detection, treatment, and care across Europe to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. The Commission collaborates with nearly 630 organizations under the Cancer Plan, aiming to deepen understanding and strengthen scientific research into cancer, examining biological processes, risk factors, and health determinants.
Additionally, the Commission released a joint statement from Commissioners V¡rhelyi and Albuquerque on the 'right to be forgotten,' highlighting how the Cancer Plan has facilitated dialogue among cancer organizations, the medical community, and the insurance sector regarding fair access to financial services for cancer patients.