
Strategies against women’s cancers
European Parliament calls for greater commitment to combating cancer.
MM/SW – 03/2019
In
its resolution of 13 February 2019, the European Parliament called for the fight against
cancer to be given priority in health policy and presented a comprehensive list
of proposals.
According
to EUROSTAT, the statistical office of the European Union, 1.3 million people in
the EU died from cancer in 2015. This represents one quarter (25.4%) of all
deaths in Europe. The figure for women is 22.1% and for men 28.7%. Up to 50% of
deaths could be prevented through better preventive measures and treatment. In
terms of the quality of treatment, there are clear differences both within and
between Member States. There is still a large gap between Central and Eastern Europe
and the European average with regards to incidence and mortality rates.
Women’s cancers
Women
are primarily affected by breast, uterine and cervical cancers, with the risk
of breast cancer being 30% higher for women who work night shifts. However, the
survival rate for breast cancer patients can reach 80% if the cancer is
detected and treated early enough.
Women
often suffer from psychological problems, especially when a mastectomy or
hysterectomy has been performed.
Further
problems arise from the use of breast implants, which are often used without proper
consideration given to the risks before they are recommended to patients. There
are still no manufacturers which are able to guarantee a breast prothesis that
is 100% resistant to tearing even though leaking silicone leads to serious
health problems, including cancer.
European Parliament resolution
The
European Parliament has called on the Commission and the Member States to give
priority in health policy to the fight against cancer by developing and
establishing a comprehensive EU strategy and evidence-based, cost-effective strategies
to combat cancer and related comorbidities.
The
European Parliament acknowledges that Member States are responsible for the
organisation of healthcare systems and the provisions for cancer diagnosis and
treatment. However, it also believes that cooperation and exchange of best
practices within Europe can generate significant added value. The resolution
recommends the pooling of resources, knowledge and existing technologies.
Therefore, the European Parliament is calling on the Commission to serve as a
platform for the exchange of best practices between Member States with regard
to cancer care models and standards for cancer programmes. In addition, the Commission
should better coordinate women’s cancer research across the EU, as it is still very
fragmented.
Most
importantly, comprehensive and accurate data regarding cancer incidence and
survival rates by gender should be collected in order to tailor specific
measures to the needs of cancer patients. In order to ensure quality healthcare,
research activities should focus on preventive measures, information, screening,
diagnosis, monitoring and treatment procedures.