February 4th is a day when all of us remember that cancer
continues to takes an enormous toll on European societies. The number 2 cause
of death behind circulatory diseases, cancer accounts for two out of every ten
deaths in women and three out of every ten deaths in men. Approximately 3.2
million Europeans are diagnosed with cancer each year.
In 2005 alone, over 17 million disability-adjusted life-years
are estimated to have been lost due to cancer in the WHO European region. Data
also show that cancer incidence in women and men has been increasing despite
better prevention and treatment. With our increasing life expectancy and ageing
population, we expect a rise in the number of cancer patients, in particular
among the elderly. The burden of cancer will only become greater over the next
years and decades.
For these reasons, Slovenia decided to make cancer a health
priority during our Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In the
same spirit, Slovenia will take over coordination of the joint action of the
European Partnership for Action Against Cancer.
In June 2009, the European Commission issued the Communication
on Action against Cancer: European Partnership – which was used as the basis
for the 2010 Work Plan in which cancer was identified as a priority area for
action. By implementing the Communication, the Commission aims to support EU
governments and other stakeholders to work together better at European level to
address the burden of cancer, using innovative cooperation and governance
structures. The European Partnership for Action Against Cancer shares
information, resources, best practices and expertise in cancer prevention and
control. It also helps identify common action at EU level that can add value to
national efforts.
If all these measures are used successfully, it is expected
that two major goals will be fulfilled: reducing the burden of cancer in the EU
and tackling inequalities in cancer mortality between EU countries. For this
reason, long-term, sustainable action on cancer is needed to ensure a healthy
and prosperous future for all Europeans.
