Europe’s beating cancer plan
The Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) 2021-2030 is a political commitment to stop the spread of cancer. It is another step towards a strong European Health Union and a better prepared, more resilient and safer EU.
In 2022, 2.74 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in Europe and almost 1.3 million people died from cancer. Without further action, the number of cases is expected to increase by up to 24% by 2030, making cancer the leading cause of death in Europe.
The EBCP aims to address the entire cancer pathway. The Action Plan is structured around four main action areas:
- prevention;
- early detection;
- diagnosis and treatment;
- quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.
Up to 40% of cancers are preventable, which is why the EBCP places a strong emphasis on prevention. Topics in this area:
- improving health literacy on cancer risk factors and determinants;
- a tobacco-free Europe;
- reducing alcohol consumption;
- improving health through access to a healthy diet and physical activity;
- reducing environmental pollution;
- reducing exposure to hazardous substances and radiation;
- preventing cancers caused by infections.
The EBCP aims to ensure access to high-quality, affordable, preventive and curative healthcare in the European Union. Topics in this area include:
- ensuring high-quality diagnosis and treatment;
- ensuring high-quality healthcare workers;
- ensuring access to essential medicines and innovation;
- personalised medicine in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The number of people recovering from cancer is increasing every year thanks to early detection, effective therapies and supportive care. However, there are many challenges for cancer survivors, their families and carers. These challenges can often be alleviated or prevented by collaboration between the health and social care sectors. The focus should be on how well and how long people live after cancer, not just how long. Some topics in this area:
- return to work;
- retraining programmes for cancer survivors;
- work-life balance directive for loved ones and carers.
Funding opportunities
- European Commission guarantees 4 billion euros
- Horizon Europe: 2025 calls will be public in May
- Cohesion Policy Funds: increasing the resilience, accessibility and efficiency of health systems
- Recovery and Resilience Facility: investments in healthcare infrastructure, equipment, digital transformation of healthcare
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