Kyriakidou: With the new recommendations for cancer screening, we strengthen early diagnosis

Its new approach aimed at supporting member states to make screening for HIV more widespread cancer presented by the European Commission.

Focusing on detecting cancers at an early stage, the proposed recommendation aims to increase the number of screenings to cover more groups and cancers.

This new EU approach, based on the latest available scientific developments and evidence, will support action by Member States to ensure that the 90% of the EU population eligible for breast screening cervix and large intestine, will be able to be examined until 2025.

The new recommendation also expands population-based cancer screening to include lung, prostate and, under certain conditions, stomach cancers.

The proposed recommendation introduces a new EU best practice approach to improving cancer screening, replacing the current one that has been in place for 20 years.

In total, financial support for the development of the new recommendations will reach around €100 million through EU4Health and Horizon Europe. In addition, the Commission, as reported by the Athens News Agency, will propose additional funding for cancer screening under the EU4Health 2023 programme. Further support may also come from the European regional fund, the cohesion fund and the social fund.

The recommendation pays particular attention to equal access to screening, the needs of specific socio-economic groups, people with disabilities and people living in rural or remote areas. It is also important to ensure adequate and timely diagnostic procedures, treatments, psychological support and aftercare.

The recommendation also introduces regular and systematic monitoring of screening programmes, including disparities, through the European Cancer Information System and the cancer disparities registry.

Once approved by the Council, the recommendation will replace the existing cancer screening recommendation that has been in place since 2003.