Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the European Union, the EC said, confirming commitment to ensure proper screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer in the bloc.
Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer accounts for 32% of cancer deaths in women and 11% in men. With an ageing population, the figures are due to increase, the EC said and pointed out that member states have not fully put screening in place as set out in Council Recommendation of 2 December 2003 on cancer screening.
"In these times of financial uncertainty, we need to recognise, more than ever, the importance of planning for a healthy future. Investing in cancer screening programmes will pay long term dividends, as prevention is the most efficient and cost-effective way to minimise the european burden of cancer," the European Commissioner for Health, Androulla Vassiliou, said.
The Commission announced they intend to form a European partnership for action against cancer in 2009 by bringing together relevant stakeholders across the EU in a collective effort to addressing cancer. The partnership will support Member States in their efforts to tackle cancer more effectively.