Fight against cancer in the EU

2.3.2016

Question for written answer E-001916-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
José Blanco López (S&D)

4 February is World Cancer Day. The International Agency for Research on Cancer reports that around 3 million new cases and 1.7 million cancer deaths are recorded in Europe each year. Most of these deaths are caused by breast, prostate, colon and lung cancer.

The main risk factors are excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, low consumption of fruit and vegetables and exposure to carcinogens. It should also be pointed out that around 40% of cases could be avoided through correct preventive action, early diagnosis and access to suitable treatment.

What kind of initiatives is the Commission carrying out to combat cancer? Has it drawn up specific prevention plans and/or has it launched a campaign to raise public awareness about the risk factors? What type of financial support is biomedical research currently receiving from the Commission to combat this disease?