Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Action Against Cancer : European Partnership
Date: 2009-06-24
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU action, EU programme, European cooperation, cancer, carcinogenic substance, disease prevention, health policy, public health, smoking

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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 24.6.2009 
COM(2009) 291 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

on Action Against Cancer: European Partnership 

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

on Action Against Cancer: European Partnership 

1. 

WHY A PARTNERSHIP FOR ACTION AGAINST CANCER? 

Despite the progress in recent times, cancer still takes an enormous toll on European society. 
After  circulatory  diseases,  cancer  was  the  second  most  common  cause  of  death  in  2006, 
accounting for two out of ten deaths in women and three out of ten deaths in men, equating to 
approximately 3.2 million EU citizens diagnosed with cancer each year.  

The legal basis for action in the field of health largely falls on the Member States (Article 152 
of  the  EC  Treaty).  However,  as  underlined  by  the  Health  Strategy  'Together  for  Health:  A 
Strategic  Approach  for  the  EU  2008-2013',  there  are  areas  where  joint  EU  action  can  bring 
considerable  added  value  in  tackling  major  health  challenges  more  effectively,  through 
information sharing, and exchange of expertise and best practice1. 

The European Parliament and Council of the European Union have also shown their political 
commitment  and  given  strategic  direction  to  future  European  cancer  activities.  On  10  April 
2008, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on combating cancer in the enlarged EU, 
and Council conclusions on reducing the European burden of cancer were adopted on 10 June 
20082, 3. 

On  this  basis,  the  European  Commission  proposes  a  European  Partnership  for  Action 
Against  Cancer  for  the  period  2009-2013  to  support  the  Member  State  in  their  efforts  to 
tackle cancer by providing a framework for identifying and sharing information, capacity and 
expertise in cancer prevention and control, and by engaging relevant stakeholders across the 
European Union in a collective effort. As demonstrated by the existing stark differences and 
inequalities  in  cancer  incidence  and  mortality  throughout  the  Community,  there  is 
considerable  added  value  in  working  together  on  a  European  level  to  prevent  and  control 
cancer more effectively.  

This Communication broadly sets out the objectives for the European Partnership for Action 
Against Cancer, the identified areas and actions to be further determined and taken forward 
through  a  European  partnership  approach,  the  proposed  structure  of  the  Partnership  and  the 
anticipated next steps. 

1.1. 

Cancer: a model for application of the principles of the Health Strategy 

As cancer is one of the major  causes of ill health in the European Union, associated with a 
considerable cost to society, it is essential to invest in Europe’s future health by taking long-
term  and  sustainable  actions  to  tackle  cancer.  In  2005  alone,  it  was  estimated  that  over  17 
million  disability-adjusted  life-years  were  lost  because  of  cancer  in  the  WHO  European 
region. However, to tackle effectively the wide range of health determinants associated with 

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Together for Health: A Strategic Approach for the EU 2008-2013 - COM(2007) 630. 
European  Parliament  Resolution  of  10  April  2008  on  Combating  Cancer  in  the  Enlarged  European 
Union, P6-TA(2008)0121. 
Council  of  the  European  Union,  Council  Conclusions  on  Reducing  the  Burden  of  Cancer,  2876th 
Employment,  Social  Policy,  Health  and  Consumers  Affairs  Council  Meeting,  Luxembourg,  10  June 
2008. 

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cancer, we also need to move beyond the health area, and adopt a cross-sectional approach, 
integrating  health  into  policy  areas  such  as  education,  environment,  taxation,  research,  and 
social and external affairs.  

1.2. 

Importance  of  addressing  cancer  in  order  to  maximise  years  of  life  in  good 
health 

Considering the socio-economic implications of the expected rise of cancer as the European 
population  ages,  it  is  vital  to  tackle  this  disease  more  effectively  in  the  EU.  For  example, 
effective prevention can greatly contribute to improving health. It has been predicted that by 
implementing 100% population coverage of cervical cancer screening, an estimated reduction 
of over 94% of life years lost could be attained, and for every 152 pap smear tests performed, 
one  life-year  could  be  gained.  In  these  times  of  financial  instability,  it  is  all  the  more 
important to maintain investments in health, in particular through such preventive actions. 

The Healthy Life Years indicator is a measure used by the Commission to assess the number 
of remaining years that a person of a certain age is expected to live disability-free, and is used 
to  monitor  health  as  a  factor  in  productivity  and  economic  prosperity  to  support  health 
promotion policies.  

1.3. 

Collective response – European Partnership for Action Against Cancer 

To  more  effectively  coordinate  activities  and  actions  that  are  taken  within  different  policy 
areas by Member States and other stakeholders, with the aim of reducing the increasing and 
unequal  European  burden  of  cancer,  the  European  Commission  proposes  a  European 
Partnership for Action Against Cancer for the period 2009-2013.  

As  indicated  above,  this  Partnership  aims  to  support  the  Member  States  in  their  efforts  to 
tackle cancer by providing a framework for identifying and sharing information, capacity and 
expertise in cancer prevention and control, and by engaging relevant stakeholders across the 
European  Union  in  a  collective  effort  to  address  cancer.  As  illustrated  by  the  national  and 
regional  differences  in  cancer  incidence  and  mortality,  there  is  considerable  scope  for 
reducing the European burden of cancer through a joint response, guided by evidence-based 
strategies  for  disease  prevention  and  control.  This  partnership  approach  will  help  to  avoid 
scattered actions and the duplication of efforts. It will also contribute to the better use of the 
limited resources available.  

By the end of the Partnership, the objective is for all Member States to have integrated cancer 
plans. The Commission considers that putting such plans in place should make a sustainable 
contribution to reducing the burden of cancer in the EU, and that the target of a 15% reduction 
by 2020 (510 000 new cases) is an achievable result.  

2. 

COMPREHENSIVE POLICY RESPONSE: AREAS AND ACTIONS  

2.1. 

One third of cancers are preventable – the most cost-effective response 

Health promotion 

A horizontal approach on the basis of tackling major health determinants is essential to curb 
the  increasing  burden  of  cancer  throughout  the  European  Union.  Cancer  is  caused  by  many 
factors and therefore its prevention shall address on equal footing the lifestyle, occupational 
and environmental causes. It has been estimated that around one third of all cancers could be 
prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors such as smoking, being overweight, low 
fruit and vegetable intake, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption.  

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Health promotion on the basis of major health determinants has been a longstanding priority 
for  the  European  Commission,  and  has  included  strategies  for  nutrition,  overweight  and 
obesity-related health issues, and support for alcohol-related harm. The Commission has also 
adopted an ambitious tobacco control policy aimed at discouraging children and young people 
from  taking  up  smoking,  supporting  smoking  cessation  and  protecting  all  citizens  against 
exposure  to  second-hand  smoke,  taking  into  account  the  need  to  tailor  health  promotion  to 
specific population and target groups.  

Other  key  determinants  are  occupational  and  environmental  factors,  such  as  exposure  to 
carcinogenic  and  mutagenic  substances,  and  indoor  and  outdoor  air  quality.  The  World 
Cancer Report 2008 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) highlights 
the importance of primary environmental prevention and exposure reduction. Implementation 
of  existing  legislation  and  the  development  of  new  legislation  related  to  general  chemical 
exposure4,  i.e.  in  water,  waste  and  through  persistent  organic  pollutants,  thus  contribute  to 
cancer  incidence  prevention.  In  order  to  more  effectively  tackle  the  health  impacts  of  such 
environmental  factors  and  to  foster  cooperation,  the  Commission  has  adopted  a  European 
Environment and Health Action Plan. Moreover, Directive 2004/37/EC sets out a number of 
preventive  measures  to  eliminate  or  minimise  work-related  exposures  to  carcinogens  and 
mutagens5.  The  list  of  carcinogens  and  mutagens  is  being  updated  in  line  with  scientific 
evidence. 

Among  the  specific  cancer  prevention  activities  that  have  proven  to  be  successful  is  the 
European Code Against Cancer6. It gives two very clear messages: 

–  certain  cancers  may  be  avoided  –  and  health  in  general  can  be  improved  –  by  adopting 

healthier lifestyles; and 

–  cancers may be cured, or the prospects of cure greatly increased, if they are detected at an 

early stage. 

Early detection 

Cancer  can  be  reduced  and  controlled  by  implementing  evidence-based  strategies  for  early 
detection  and  management of patients with cancer. This includes appropriate information to 
ensure awareness about the benefits of screening for those who should benefit from it. This is 
an  area  where  Community  added  value  has  already  proven  to  be  efficient  in  supporting 
Member  States'  development  of  screening  programmes  for  breast,  cervical  and  colorectal 
cancer.  

Despite these substantial efforts, the volume of screening examinations in the EU is less than 
half of the minimum annual number of examinations that would be expected if the screening 

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Regulation  (EC)  No 1907/2006 of  the  European Parliament  and  of  the Council  of 18 December  2006 
Concerning  the  Registration,  Evaluation,  Authorisation  and  Restriction  of  Chemicals  (REACH), 
Establishing  a European  Chemicals  Agency,  Amending Directive 1999/45/EC  and  Repealing  Council 
Regulation  (EEC)  No 793/93  and  Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No 1488/94  as  well  as  Council 
Directive  76/769/EEC  and  Commission  Directives  91/155/EEC,  93/67/EEC,  93/105/EC  and 
2000/21/EC (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1). 
Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the Protection 
of  Workers  from  the  Risks  Related  to  Exposure  to  Carcinogenic  or  Mutagens  at  Work  (OJ  L  229, 
29.6.2004, p. 23).  
European Code Against Cancer (2003), available at: http://www.cancercode.org. 

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tests specified in the Council Recommendation on cancer screening were available to all EU 
citizens of appropriate age (approximately 125 million examinations per year)7, 8.  

Alternative  preventative  approaches  against  infectious  agents  that  can  cause  cancer,  such  as 
high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) with particular impact for young women, should also 
be further examined. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has published 
"Guidance  for  the  introduction  of  HPV  vaccines  in  EU  countries",  which  lays  down  the 
scientific basis for the potential introduction of HPV vaccines.  

Objectives  for  action:  to  reduce  the  burden  of  cancer  by  achieving  100%  population 
coverage  of  screening  for  breast,  cervical  and  colorectal9  cancer  as  set  out  in  the  Council 
Recommendation  on  cancer  screening  by  2013;  providing  125  million  examinations  to 
citizens  per  year.  In  order  to  achieve  this  target  Member  States  should  promote  large  scale 
information  campaigns  on  cancer  screening,  directed  at  the  general  public  and  health-care 
providers. 

Other actions could include: 

•  Assessing the effectiveness of Community policy in the area of tobacco control; 

•  Using  existing  mechanisms,  such  as  the  stakeholder  forums  focusing  on  alcohol  and 

nutrition, to take forward cancer actions;  

•  Reviewing the European Code Against Cancer, including its implementation; 

•  Assessing the burden of infection-induced cancer in the EU;  

•  Providing an overview of the range of recommendations in the EU on the implementation 
of human papillomavirus vaccination as a public health policy to prevent cervical cancer; 

•  Reviewing the Council Recommendation on cancer screening in view of recent scientific 
developments,  and  the  obstacles  that  Member  States  are  facing  in  the  implementation  of 
breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening programmes;  

•  Development  of  a  voluntary  European  pilot  accreditation  scheme  for  breast  cancer 
screening  and  follow-up,  building  on  the  European  guidelines  for  quality  assurance  in 
breast cancer screening and diagnosis as the most longstanding and developed guidelines 
in the area. 

2.2. 

Applying  best  healthcare  approaches 
dissemination of good practice  

in  practice  - 

identification  and 

A comprehensive cancer approach and multidisciplinary teams can ensure more effective care 
for  patients  with  cancer.  For  example,  the  fourth  edition  of  the  European  guidelines  for 
quality assurance in breast cancer screening and diagnosis includes a detailed framework for 
establishing  and  running  effective  specialist  units  for  breast  cancer  treatment  and  care. 
Integrated cancer care, giving due consideration to psychosocial wellbeing and support, is a 
vital part of care that also should be encouraged. In addition to strictly curative care, there is 

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Council  Recommendation  2003/878/EC  of  2  December  2003  on  Cancer  Screening  (OJ  L  327, 
16.12.2003, p. 34). 
Report  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council,  the  European  Parliament,  the  European  Economic  and 
Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Implementation of the Council Recommendation 
of 2 December 2003 on Cancer Screening (2003/878/EC) - COM(2008) 882. 
As set out in the Recommendation, these are the cancers for which the criteria are met that screening 
should only be offered if the screening is proved to decrease disease-specific mortality, if the benefits 
and risks are well known, and if the cost-effectiveness of the screening is acceptable. 

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an increasing need to focus on the quality of life for a rising number of chronic cancer patients 
whose illness cannot be cured but may be stabilised for a number of years. Finally, palliative 
care for terminally ill cancer patients also varies in quality between Member States and can 
benefit from exchange of good practices.  

Another area of EU added-value would be cooperation on European Reference Networks, for 
example in the field of rare diseases, which include many rare cancers. European Reference 
Networks provided for in the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the 
Council  on  the  Application  of  Patients'  Rights  in  Cross-border  Healthcare  should  provide 
healthcare to all patients who have conditions requiring a particular concentration of resources 
or expertise in order to provide affordable, high-quality and cost-effective care, and can also 
be focal points for medical training and research, information dissemination and evaluation.  

Objectives  for  action:  to  tackle  inequalities  in  cancer  mortality  amenable  to  healthcare  by 
reducing the disparity between the best and worst performing Member States. Whilst it may 
not be possible to eliminate all the existing inequalities, the Commission considers that a 70% 
reduction  by  2020  is  a  feasible  target,  taking  account  of  scientific  developments  and  the 
different circumstances of different countries and cancers. This aim will be supported by the 
development  of  guidelines  for  models  of  best  practice  in  cancer-related  care,  taking  into 
account national, regional and local contexts. 

Other actions could include: 

•  Sharing  knowledge  and  expertise  on  different  models  for  comprehensive  and  integrated 
cancer  care,  and  in  particular  the  organisation  of  care,  with  the  aim  of  developing 
consensus around definitions and models of care, including chronic and palliative care;  

•  Exploring  the  application  of  ongoing  European  efforts  under  the  Health  Technology 
Assessment  initiative  as  a  means  to  tackle  cancer  more  efficiently,  building  on  the 
framework to be established under the proposed Directive on the Application of Patients' 
Rights in Cross-border Healthcare; 

•  Exploring alternative technical and financial solutions for the European supply of medical 

isotopes, taking account of shortages in supply across Europe. 

2.3. 

Cooperation and coordination in cancer research  

A comprehensive cancer approach should include all aspects of cancer research, ranging from 
prevention  to  translational  and  clinical  research.  Health  research  is  of  central  importance  to 
the  EU's  research  commitments.  During  the  6th Framework  Programme for  Research  and 
the  7th  Framework 
Technological  Development  and 
Programme, about €750 million has been devoted to cancer research, covering all major types 
of  cancer  and  involving  a  wide  range  of  actors,  such  as  academia,  small  and  medium-sized 
enterprises, and large industrial partners.  

two  calls  of 

first 

the 

in 

Recognising  that  cancer  research  is  mainly  undertaken  at  national  level  and  that  it  is 
considerably fragmented and diverse across the EU, the Community aims to step up its efforts 
to improve EU-wide coordination within this field, in line with the European Research Area's 
objectives. In addition, elements such as the Innovative Medicine Initiative (IMI) and ESFRI 
(European  Roadmap,  which  includes  also  research  infrastructures  for  clinical  trials  and 
biomedical research), which will benefit cancer research, are being introduced. IMI is a pan-
European public and private sector collaboration endeavouring to support the discovery and 
development  of  better  medicines,  including  cancer  therapies,  and  the  ESFRI  Roadmap 
includes  projects  to  support  the  establishment  of  clinical  trials  facilities  and  bio-banking  to 
pave the way for a more harmonised European framework. In this context, it is also important 

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to  highlight  that  a  European  Clinical  Trials  Directive  was  adopted  in  2001,  providing  a 
standardised European framework for the implementation of good practice in the conduct of 
clinical trials on medicinal products for human use10.  

Objectives for action: to develop a coordinated approach to cancer research across the EU, 
aiming to achieve coordination of one third of research from all funding sources by 2013. 

Other actions could include: 

•  Identification  of  discrepancies,  and  bringing  together  partners  in  a  collective  effort  to 

address obstacles in European cancer research; 

•  Identification of gaps in research and methodology, enhancement of research cooperation 
to avoid duplication of efforts and strengthening research on prevention and translational 
research; 

•  Strengthening  of  public  access  to  information  on  cancer  research  and  clinical  trials  in 

particular; 

•  In order to further improve the regulatory environment on clinical research in the EU, the 
Commission  will  assess  the  application  of  the  Clinical  Trials  Directive10  with  a  view  to 
making, if appropriate, legislative proposals. 

2.4. 

Benchmarking  process  –  providing  the  comparable  information  necessary  for 
policy and action  

A  cancer  information  system  is  important  to  ensure  comprehensive  and  standardised  cancer 
information and data from all Member States. The collection of data and information enables, 
mainly  through  cross-national  comparisons,  the  identification  and  promotion  of  evidence-
based best practice in cancer prevention and control. These European comparisons have in the 
past brought to light considerable differences in cancer survival in the EU between countries 
with  similar  levels  of  wealth  and  health  care  provision.  As  a  result,  a  number  of  Member 
States, which reported relatively high cancer mortality in the early 1990s have reviewed and 
subsequently reformed their national cancer policies, and are today reporting improved cancer 
survival.  By  developing  a  European  benchmark  for  best  practice,  there  is  in  other  words 
considerable scope for addressing health inequalities. Thus, sharing relevant information for 
statistical  purposes  is  essential  for  developing  effective  public  health  interventions  and  the 
European benchmarking process. Appropriate data collection and analysis techniques should 
be  used,  e.g.  anonymisation,  in  accordance  with  existing  legislation  on  the  protection  of 
personal data11.  

The major role in a cancer information system is played by national and regional population-
based  cancer  registries  that  collect  and  analyse  data  on  cancer  in  the  Member  States.  The 
invaluable contribution of these registries represents just a fraction of the total EU spending 
on cancer. For example, the proportion of national spending on cancer registries in Finland in 
2007 was only 0.0037% of total spending on cancer, illustrating the cost-effectiveness of this 
small investment to provide the data necessary for effective policies. 

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Directive  2001/20/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  4  April  2001  on  the 
Approximation of the Laws, Regulations and Administrative Provisions of the Member States Relating 
to  the  Implementation  of  Good  Clinical  Practice  in  the  Conduct  of  Clinical  Trials  on  Medicinal 
Products for Human Use (OJ L 121, 1.5.2001, p. 34). 
Directive  95/46/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  24  October  1995  on  the 
Protection of Individuals with Regard to the Processing of Personal Data and on the Free Movement of 
such Data (OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31). 

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Objectives  for  action:  to  ensure  accurate  and  comparable  data  on  cancer  incidence, 
prevalence, morbidity, cure, survival and mortality in the EU by 2013.  

Other actions could include: 

•  Identification  of  obstacles  in  collection  of  data  and  indicators,  including  legislative 

obstacles and accessibility of data, and ways to overcome those problems; 

•  Agreement on a set of core indicators to measure and enable European comparisons of the 
burden of cancer, quality of care and impact of cancer strategies, with special emphasis on 
health inequalities; 

•  Encouragement of high quality standards and networking on cancer registries;  

•  Collection of data on the cost of cancer to society; 

•  Conducting a survey to gauge European opinion on cancer data registration as a means for 

public health research and planning of effective health systems. 

3. 

SUSTAINABLE  ACTION 
PARTNERSHIP 

IN  TACKLING  CANCER 

-  WORKING  TOGETHER 

IN 

In  accordance  with  Article  152  of  the  EC  Treaty  and  the  principle  of  subsidiarity,  the 
European Partnership for Action Against Cancer will focus on actions that can be taken at EU 
level to more efficiently prevent and control cancer. Based on a cooperative and action-based 
approach,  this  joint  Partnership  will  bring  together  a  wide  range  of  actors  at  EU  level, 
including  Member  States,  experts,  health  care  professionals,  NGOs,  patient  groups,  civil 
society representatives and industry, as a model for non-communicable diseases in general. 

The  Partnership  will  provide  a  platform  for  analysing  the  present  cancer  burden  and  trends, 
national  strategies  for  cancer  prevention  and  control,  insufficiencies  and  discrepancies,  and 
desired objectives for future cancer action at EU level. Through the exchange of information, 
expertise  and  best  practice,  the  Partnership  will  contribute  to  reducing inequalities  in  health 
by assisting underperforming Member States to more efficiently prevent and control cancer. 
Moreover,  European  activities  in  health  promotion  relating  to  cancer,  such  as  tobacco, 
nutrition,  physical  activity  and  environment  efforts,  will  primarily  be  addressed  through 
existing  mechanisms,  including  the  EU  Platform  for  Action  on  Diet,  Physical  Activity  and 
Health and the Alcohol and Health Forum, rather than the Partnership itself. The Partnership 
will act in complementary areas to ensure a comprehensive and coherent approach to cancer 
at EU level. 

In  order  to  take  forward  these  identified  areas  and  actions,  this  Communication  proposes  a 
specific joint action to be supported by the Health Programme as from 201012. The work of 
the Partnership is proposed to be undertaken in multi-stakeholder working groups (based on 
the  four  areas  of  action  in  section  two),  which  will  either  undertake  the  identified  areas  of 
work directly or monitor work to be conducted by outside actors, institutions or organisations, 
as  appropriate.  It  is  proposed  that  the  activities  of  the  stakeholder  working  groups  be 
coordinated by a steering group, which will report to the Partnership secretariat and the open 
forum,  which  will  be  held  once  a  year.  In  addition,  through  the  Health  Programme,  the 
Commission  aims  to  provide  additional  technical  support,  including  administrative  and 

12 

Within  the  frames  of  the  Health  Programme,  joint  action  refers  to  activities  carried  out  by  the 
Community  and  one  or  more  Member  States  or  by  the  Community  and  the  competent  authorities  of 
other countries participating in the Programme together.  

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scientific support, to the stakeholder working groups (Figure 1). The yearly open forum aims 
to provide a platform for the members of the Partnership and other stakeholders at EU level to 
deepen  their  understanding  of  the  challenge  of  cancer  for  European  society,  and  to  identify 
where common action  can  bring added value to national efforts in combating  the burden of 
cancer. 

The role of the European Commission will be to ensure the cooperative and action-oriented 
approach of the Partnership, and to make certain that the proposed actions and activities are 
appropriate for action at EU level.  

Figure 1

Launch
Launch

Initial plenary
Initial plenary

2009
2009

Report to 
Report to 
Partnership 
Partnership 
Secretariat 
Secretariat 
& Forum
& Forum

Report to 
Report to 
Partnership 
Partnership 
Secretariat 
Secretariat 
& Forum
& Forum

Report to 
Report to 
Partnership 
Partnership 
Secretariat 
Secretariat 
& Forum
& Forum

Final Report 
Final Report 
to Council & 
to Council & 
European 
European 
Parliament
Parliament

2013
2013

Yearly plenary
Yearly plenary

Yearly plenary
Yearly plenary

Interim 
Interim 
Implementation 
Implementation 
Report (EAHC)*
Report (EAHC)*

Yearly plenary
Yearly plenary

Final plenary
Final plenary

Final 
Final 
Implementation 
Implementation 
Report (EAHC)
Report (EAHC)

Future
Future

European Partnership for Action Against 
European Partnership for Action Against 
European Partnership for Action Against 
Cancer: Structure and Process
Cancer: Structure and Process
Cancer: Structure and Process

Forum
Forum
Forum
Forum
Representatives from Member States, academia, cancer societies, health professionals, NGOs, 
Representatives from Member States, academia, cancer societies, health professionals, NGOs, 
Representatives from Member States, academia, cancer societies, health professionals, NGOs, 
Representatives from Member States, academia, cancer societies, health professionals, NGOs, 
patient groups, civil society & industry
patient groups, civil society & industry
patient groups, civil society & industry
patient groups, civil society & industry

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Steering Group
Steering Group
Steering Group

Stakeholder Working Groups
Stakeholder Working Groups
Stakeholder Working Groups

Prevention
Prevention
Prevention

Healthcare
Healthcare
Healthcare

Research
Research
Research

Information & 
Information & 
Information & 
data
data
data

Virtual Partnership (Website)
Virtual Partnership (Website)
Virtual Partnership (Website)
Virtual Partnership (Website)

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•The exact number of Interim Implementation Reports is dependant on the specific contract of the joint action, but will probably range from between 1 to 3 reports over 
•The exact number of Interim Implementation Reports is dependant on the specific contract of the joint action, but will probably range from between 1 to 3 reports over 
the period. 
the period. 

3.1. 

Next steps  

The Partnership is planned to be launched in the third quarter of 2009.  

The  Partnership  aims  to  bring  together  European  stakeholders  with  a  common  aim  and 
commitment to reduce cancer. To ensure equal and fair representation, all stakeholders whose 
objectives fall in line with the overarching aim of the Partnership are in principle welcome to 
join the initiative. However, in order to obtain balanced stakeholder representation, members 
representing  a  specific  organisation,  interest  area  or  industry  shall  as  far  as  possible  be 
represented by umbrella organisations operating at European level, as well as being capable 
and  willing  to  play  an  active  role  in  reducing  the  European  burden  of  cancer.  Stakeholders 
who are represented by an umbrella organisation are also welcome to join the Partnership, but 
will participate under the aegis of their organisation.  

This Communication broadly defines the objectives for European action against cancer whilst 
the  aim  of  the  Partnership  is  to  determine  specific  key  activities  and  actions  to  prevent  and 
control  cancer  through  the  above  presented  approach.  This  also  includes  regular  monitoring 
and evaluation of the work undertaken by the initiative. The steering group will, however, be 

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requested to report to the Partnership secretariat and the open forum on an annual basis. The 
Partnership  secretariat  will  also  be  required  to  submit  interim  and  final  implementation 
reports  to  the  Executive  Agency  for  Health  and  Consumers  (EAHC)  in  accordance  with 
procedures and conditions applicable to joint actions. In addition, to ensure transparency and 
accountability, the outlined objectives and outcomes of the Partnership will be presented on a 
separate  website.  This  website,  the  so-called  Virtual  Partnership,  will  provide  an  extensive 
overview  of  the  initiatives  and  work  undertaken  by  the  Partnership.  The  website  should  be 
part of a wider communication strategy to ensure dissemination throughout the Community. 

At the end of the current financial framework, a review process will be undertaken to assess 
the  Partnership's  successes  and  shortcomings.  A  final  report  on  the  work  undertaken  on  the 
basis  of  this  Communication  will  be  submitted  by  the  Commission  to  the  Council  of  the 
European Union and the European Parliament, which will constitute the basis for determining 
future Community action on cancer. 

3.2. 

Funding 

The Partnership's actions will be supported by existing financial instruments until the end of 
the  current  financial  framework  (2013),  without  additional  budgetary  consequences.  The 
annual work plans of the second programme of Community action in the field of health will 
be  a  key  instrument  in  supporting  this  strategic  Partnership.  In  addition,  several  other 
Community  programmes  also  provide  funding  relevant  to  cancer,  e.g.  the  7th  Framework 
Programme  for  Research  and  Technological  Development  as  well  as  Regional  Policy 
Programmes.   

4. 

CONCLUSION  

Cancer  affects  a  growing  number  of  individuals  and  their  relatives  and  represents  an 
enormous  burden  on  society  in  an  ageing  Europe.  As  demonstrated  by  previous  activities, 
such as the Europe against Cancer Programmes and within the Health Programmes, European 
action in the field of cancer can bring considerable added value in tackling more efficiently 
the  burden  of  the  disease  on  a  national,  regional  as  well  as  local  level  throughout  the 
Community.  The  European  Commission  proposes  to  build  on  these  efforts  through  a 
sustainable action, following a partnership approach, involving a wide range of stakeholders 
working together in the fight against cancer. 

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