European Commission’s revision proposal of the Council Recommendation on Cancer Screening will help reduce cancer inequalities in Europe
Posted on 20.09.2022
Brussels, 20 September 2022 – Today’s presentation of the revision proposal of the Council Recommendation on Cancer Screening marks an important milestone for Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, as it aims to improve early cancer detection in Europe. MedTech Europe highlights the expansion of current screening recommendations to three additional cancers, the update of the recommendations previously included cancers and the call for new and revised European guidelines for cancer screening. Access to medical technologies is pivotal to guaranteeing the successful implementation of the recommendation, reducing inequalities in cancer screening, and improving early diagnosis, thus indirectly saving lives[1].
“The review of the Council Recommendation on Cancer Screening was long overdue. We are positive about this proposal, and hope the Council will agree to expand population-based screening programmes and update existing guidance. The medical technology industry remains committed to bringing forward innovation in cancer diagnostics and to helping achieve better patient outcomes with earlier diagnosis.”, said Serge Bernasconi, CEO of MedTech Europe.
Cancer diagnostic information provides essential benefits for cancer patients, healthcare professionals, providers, and health systems. MedTech Europe recently demonstrated the Value of Diagnostic Information (VODI) in Cancer Care[2] and outlined key recommendations to improve patient access to cancer diagnostics and screening.
While today’s proposal can contribute to reducing cancer inequality in Europe, implementing the existing and revised Council Recommendations will be central to the success of cancer screening. MedTech Europe is hopeful that the Member States employ the necessary actions and resources to deploy successful national and sub-national cancer screening programmes. The medical technology industry is ready to support implementing these recommendations and reduce European cancer inequalities.
[1] European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, Cancer screening in the European Union, Publications Office of the European Union, 2022, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/867180
[2] MedTech Europe, The Value of Diagnostic Information (VODI) in Cancer care. Policy recommendations for a better future for cancer diagnostics in Europe, June 2022, https://www.medtecheurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/medtech-europe-vodi-in-cancer.pdf