Cancer is one of Europe's biggest health challenges – and just a few years ago the political will to take on cancer seemed unshakeable. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, launched by the European Commission (EC) in 2021, aimed “to leave no stone unturned in the fight against cancer”. Four years on, the EC has published a review of the plan.* Critically, the review looks at how the plan has been implemented in member states’ National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs). Overall, it’s clear that NCCPs have made progress but have not yet fully risen to the challenge set out by the Cancer Plan. Half of EU Member States have not updated their NCCPs since the Cancer Plan was introduced, and many lack monitoring systems to assess how well interventions are delivering for patients.* It is fair to say that the initial wave of optimism and political focus on cancer has waned since 2021, not least due to the competing need to prioritise COVID-19 and the resources the pandemic absorbed. Financial barriers are cited as one of the most common obstacles preventing NCCPs from being fully funded and monitored – although the political will to back spending decisions to tackle cancer is equally fundamental. #CancerPreventionActionWeek is a timely reminder that national cancer plans can only succeed if all stakeholders come together to help deliver them. Pfizer is focussed on working with the European cancer community to #OutdoCancer, ensuring it remains a policy and health service focus and patient quality of life and access to innovation are prioritised at a country level. Nothing is more urgent, or more personal, than our goal to outpace, outsmart and outmanoeuvre cancer at every turn. #Oncology *European Commission. Staff working document: Review of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, published 04.02.2025
Ana Paula Carvalho , It's so important to keep the focus on cancer care, especially after the challenges we've faced with COVID-19. Collaboration between all stakeholders is key to making real progress. I love that Pfizer is committed to this mission! What are some ways you think we can encourage more countries to update their plans? 💪💙 #CancerCare #HealthEquity #Collaboration