12-11-2020 16:45
Supporting research on cancer - New mission on cancer within Horizon Europe

Brussels, European Parliament, Room: József Antall building 4Q1 and remote participation
A researcher at work in a laboratory ©Vectorfusionart/AdobeStock
A researcher at work in a laboratory ©Vectorfusionart/AdobeStock © Vectorfusionart/AdobeStock

On 12 November, four high-level experts provided Members with in-depth information on how to support cancer research in terms of strengthening prevention, diagnosis, treatment and innovation, also with a view to achieving the new Mission on Cancer within Horizon Europe, including financial support. The hearing addressed areas where Member States alone cannot be successful, as in the case of child cancer, rare cancers or research into unknown causes of cancer, which represent 50 % of the cases.

Members also discussed the issue of occupational cancer, the primary cause of work-related deaths, inequalities in access to treatment and research programmes, the importance of personalized medicines and access to clinical trials for children and adolescents.
Members furthermore underlined the importance of establishing a common database in the EU and adequate funding for research.

The expert presentations and biographies can be found below, as well as the link to watch the hearing again.
Supporting cancer research is an integral part of the BECA committee's mandate according to Parliament's decision of 18 June 2020. This decision mandates BECA to evaluate the best possible way of supporting research to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment and innovation, especially with a view to achieving the new mission on cancer within Horizon Europe, focusing on areas where Member States alone cannot be successful enough.