World Cancer Day: saving human lives is the topmost value

At the hearing of the Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA), Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety presented Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. “Saving human lives is a primary goal in Europe today. However, the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is not the only fight. There are silent battles against cancer every day. Hence the Commission’s plan is timely and a milestone in the fight against cancer. We finally have a concrete plan in our hands focusing on saving human lives,” emphasized MEP Lívia Járóka, Vice-President of the EP.

“For the moment, COVID-19 has a dual effect on cancer research and pathway. On the one hand, it is unfortunate that the scarcity of resources has delayed screening programs, delayed diagnosis and resulted in significant medicine shortages, in addition to increasing inequalities in treatment. On the other hand, COVID-19 vaccine research may also have a positive impact on cancer research. According to experts, mRNA technology may be available also in cancer therapies within 2-5 years,” pointed out by the MEP from EPP.

In her intervention to the Commissioner, the Fidesz MEP emphasized that Roma communities are particularly vulnerable to cancer, having a higher early mortality rate and low trust in the institutions. Furthermore, unhealthy lifestyles are linked to the complex problem of structural poverty.

“It is essential to focus on prevention through targeted communication, information, and personalized education. Dissemination and awareness raising of a healthy lifestyle is essential, given that in most cases unhealthy lifestyles (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyles) lead to cancer. Therefore, I suggested the Commission RITA-LISA digital application, which can be an effective tool in the fight against cancer, adapted to the needs of Roma communities,” concluded the EP Vice-President.