EU Lawmakers Push Stronger Cancer Rules

Members of the European Parliament’s Public Health Committee have called for stronger cancer prevention measures, dedicated funding and equal access to screening, diagnosis and treatment across the European Union. The committee adopted the resolution on Sept. 28 by 27 votes to eight, with five abstentions.

The lawmakers urged the EU’s next long-term budget to allocate at least €10.05 billion to health, including €2.5 billion for cancer-related initiatives. They also called for updated tobacco regulations covering electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, as well as plain packaging, limits on youth-oriented flavors and higher excise duties.

The resolution recommends mandatory health information on alcoholic beverages and a harmonized, front-of-pack nutrition label based on scientific evidence. It also supports expanded screening for breast, cervical and prostate cancers, the use of clinically validated artificial intelligence systems, and stronger follow-up procedures after positive tests.

MEPs further called for 90% of patients to have access to National Comprehensive Cancer Centres by 2030, along with improved access to medicines, rehabilitation, psychosocial support and cross-border care for children with cancer. Rapporteur Vlad Voiculescu said stronger prevention, funding and accountability could help save hundreds of thousands of lives annually.