Filenews 20 February 2022 - by Androula Taramounta
A very ambitious initiative of the European Commission in the fight against cancer is in full swing with very high targets for cooperation in all lengths and widths of the Old Continent that will allow better care of cancer patients and their relatives. The Cypriot Commissioner, responsible for Health and Food Safety, talks to "F" about the European Plan to fight Cancer. 4 billion euros will be allocated to the Plan in the coming years. As the Commissioner explains, €80 million was allocated last year under the EU4Health programme. This year a further €30 million will be allocated to provide Member States with know-how to design/plan and implement screenings. High on target is the European Cancer Imaging Initiative, which will develop the EU map with cancer-related images and make them accessible to specialists dealing with the disease.
-You have highlighted as very important the European Plan for the Fight against Cancer. What has it achieved in the first year of its implementation?
-Two years ago, we laid the foundations for the European Cancer Control Plan with a clear goal: to make a difference for all those who have been touched by cancer in life. The Plan is a priority for the European Commission and for me personally. Last year we launched 16 major new initiatives, under the EU health programme, to support patients and their families.
This year, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, we announced four new actions. Member States' support for HPV vaccination, the Cancer Inequalities Register, call for data gathering on screening and the EU Network for Young Cancer Patients. Very soon, also, later this year, we will present our recommendations on fair access to financial services for those who have gone through a cancer experience. This is an issue in which patients experience great discrimination.
-In practice, however, how will the actions you mention be supported?
-We must ensure that patients across the EU, whether they live in large or small Member States, can benefit from the collective expertise of specialists. That is why we have an unprecedented funding of €4 billion for the Plan in the coming years. €80 million was made available last year under the EU4Health programme. In 2022, a further €30 million will be allocated to provide Member States with know-how to design/plan and implement screenings, prostate, lung and stomach cancer. We have also begun the creation of a Network of Integrated Cancer Centres that will allow cooperation between countries for the treatment of patients with complex diseases and a multidisciplinary training programme, which is crucial for the provision of high-quality care.
-What other developments can we expect in the next twelve months?
-We are working intensively on efforts related to new technologies and digital solutions, as well as the improvement of care guidelines in the EU. Another flagship action is the European Cancer Imaging Initiative, through which we will develop the EU map with cancer-related images and make them, always anonymously, accessible to specialists dealing with the disease. And because prevention is important, we will present proposals to achieve the goal of a smoke-free Europe, proposals that promote a healthy diet, physical activity, clear labelling of food, and a reduction in exposure to dangerous substances. There was a momentum in 2021 on cancer issues and in 2022 this will become stronger.
-What does the theme of this year's World Cancer Day "Reduce the care gap - women's health and cancer" mean to you?
-On the occasion of world cancer day I had the honour and the opportunity to host in Brussels an important event with personal testimonies of women who have been diagnosed with cancer. It was an event that moved me greatly, not only because I have personally had many of the same experiences, but also for the solidarity, determination and perseverance of the women involved, but also of the health professionals. We wanted to stress the importance of ensuring equal and easy access to prevention and care for all, regardless of who they are or where they live. We wanted to focus particularly on the importance of raising awareness about cancers in women - in addition to breast cancer, gynaecological cancers such as cervical and ovarian cancers.
-Too many women in the EU have contracted cancer...
-A total of 355,000 new cases of breast cancer have been recorded in 2020. This figure shows that this is the cancer with the greatest frequency. Last year, we issued new European guidelines for screening and diagnosis, as well as a quality assurance system covering the entire course of care. As for cervical cancer, estimates for 2020 suggest about 30,000 new cases, with more than 13,000 women having died. In line with our work on breast cancer, we will start to draw up European guidelines and a quality assurance system also for screening, diagnosis and care of cervical cancer.
-What progress has been made in the field of cancer medicines?
-Recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer have dramatically improved the survival rates and quality of life of patients. However, the economic costs are high and vary considerably across the EU. In addition, shortages of drugs for cancer have increased significantly, with serious consequences for patients. Tackling these challenges, for example through the Pharmaceutical Strategy, is an important and immediate objective for us, in the context of the European plan to combat cancer. In 2021, the EMA approved 20 drugs to treat cancer and related conditions. Today, more than 1,300 drugs and vaccines for various types of cancer are under development.
-What do mRNA vaccines promise for the treatment of cancer?
-Every patient is different and no cancer is the same. The field of personalized cancer vaccination has made a huge leap with the approval of mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19 and shows that this new technology is ready for wider development. The researchers had long hoped to use mRNA technology for the treatment of cancer as well. MRNA-based cancer vaccines have been tested in small trials for nearly a decade, with some promising early results. But mRNA-based approaches have not yet been proven - no such treatment is currently approved or under evaluation for authorisation. However, the success of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could create further momentum for clinical research into mRNA vaccines to treat cancer.
-On the subject of childhood cancers, have you been pregnant?
-Cancer is the leading cause of death, from illness, in children over the age of one year. That is why, through the European Plan to Combat Cancer, we are putting childhood cancer at the centre. The flagship initiative "Helping children with cancer" will give them access to immediate detection and diagnosis, treatment and care. The European Cancer Information System also has a section on paediatric cancers. At the same time, in order to address the needs of children and bring together their families and carers, we are preparing the EU network for children who have experienced cancer at an early age. Assistance, guidance and exchange of information will be offered in this area. The cross-border exchange of health data is also important for paediatric cancer. Cancer in children is among the priorities I have set.
Turning the crisis into an opportunity
-You are usually one of the people who see the glass half full, rather than half empty. Is there anything positive that the tragic adventure of the pandemic has probably taught us?
-The coronavirus pandemic has put Europe's work in the health sector at the centre and demonstrated the urgent need for cooperation. He reminded us that Health is not only the responsibility of the health sector! It was recognised that good public health and strong, resilient health systems require a holistic approach to health in all policies. This is certainly true for the prevention and care of cancer. At the same time, the rapid adaptation to telemedicine and the adoption of less invasive therapies during the pandemic, also offer us effective, alternatives, to improve the course of care and the quality of life of patients. I strongly believe that we can turn the crisis into an opportunity. Learn from the pandemic, including the strength and capacity of the EU to work together. The scientific achievements we can achieve when we are united. On the subject of cancer in particular, I am extremely pleased that, despite the challenges we have faced, we have made significant progress in just one year since the adoption of the Plan.
100 million tests were not held due to pandemic!
-What impact has the pandemic had on cancer care?
-Huge impact on both services and patients. It discontinued treatment, delayed or stopped screening programs, even affected access to drugs. It has intensified the already significant anxiety and anxiety of their families! Consider that one million cases of cancer may not have been diagnosed. This means one million people who will receive their diagnosis late. At the same time, it is estimated that 100 million cancer screening tests were not performed in Europe during the pandemic. This will lead to diagnoses at a later stage and perhaps reduced chances of survival.
