Protection of cancer survivors from discrimination
26.3.2025
Question for written answer E-001252/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sophie Wilmès (Renew), Olivier Chastel (Renew)
In Europe, there are more than 20 million cancer survivors. Thanks to the tremendous progress of medicine in the last decades, cancer is no longer a death sentence, and citizens are increasingly able to return to a ‘normal’ life after being cured. However, many cancer survivors face discrimination when attempting to return to their professional lives and realise their dreams. One key example is the financial discrimination that survivors face when trying to access a loan or mortgage. This discrimination goes against protecting human dignity, equality and privacy – principles which are enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Denying cancer survivors access to loans or insurance undermines these rights, creating barriers to their social reintegration, financial independence and well-being, while perpetuating stigma.
In this context:
- 1.What measures are being considered to encourage Member States to adopt legislation which protects cancer survivors from such discrimination, especially considering that only nine EU countries have adopted binding measures to protect cancer survivors from financial discrimination?
- 2.Is the Commission considering any future legislative initiatives aimed at further strengthening cancer survivors’ financial rights?
Submitted: 26.3.2025