EU Cancer Plan: Funding, Access & Progress in 2024

Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the European Union, second only to cardiovascular diseases. In 2024, approximately 2.7 million people across the EU received a cancer diagnosis and sadly, around 1.27 million succumbed to the disease. These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need for continued and strengthened efforts to combat cancer on multiple fronts, from prevention and early detection to treatment and supportive care.

The European Parliament is actively working to ensure that cancer remains a high priority for the EU. Currently, the Public Health Committee is developing an implementation report to assess the progress of existing EU initiatives aimed at tackling cancer. This report will serve as a crucial evaluation of what’s working, what needs improvement, and where further investment is required.

A key focus of the Parliament’s efforts is securing sustained financial commitment to cancer initiatives and research. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are advocating for a dedicated EU health programme within the EU’s long-term budget for 2028-2034. This dedicated funding stream is seen as vital to ensure the continuity and predictability of investment in flagship initiatives like Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, launched to address the growing burden of the disease.

Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, a comprehensive strategy unveiled by the European Commission, is already receiving significant financial backing. The plan is supported by €4 billion in funding, including €1.25 billion allocated through the EU4Health programme. This funding is being directed towards a range of projects focused on cancer prevention, early detection, and improved access to care.

Beyond dedicated funding, MEPs are emphasizing the importance of integrating health and oncology care into broader social investment objectives. They are calling on the European Commission and EU member states to recognize these areas as key priorities within national and regional partnership plans (NRPPs). This integration would facilitate support for long-term cancer infrastructure, including crucial programs like vaccination and screening initiatives, as well as workforce development and the creation of robust oncology data systems.

Access to effective cancer treatments is another critical area of concern. The Parliament is reiterating its call for fair, timely, and affordable access to oncological medicines and innovative therapies across the EU. To achieve this, the Commission is encouraged to work with member states to facilitate voluntary joint procurement of drugs, promote price transparency, and expedite the market entry of life-saving cancer treatments. Joint procurement, in particular, could help to leverage the collective bargaining power of EU countries to negotiate lower prices for essential medications.

Recognizing that certain cancers are rare or complex, MEPs are also advocating for improved cross-border access to specialized cancer care and clinical trials. This is particularly important for patients who may not have access to the necessary expertise or resources within their own country. Facilitating cross-border care can ensure that all patients, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to benefit from the latest advancements in cancer treatment.

The challenges faced by cancer survivors are also receiving attention. MEPs are urging the EU and its member states to enhance protections against financial discrimination. This includes implementing the “right to be forgotten,” a framework designed to ensure that cancer survivors have access to essential financial services, such as mortgages, loans, and insurance, without being penalized for their past health status. The goal is to remove barriers to financial stability and allow survivors to fully reintegrate into society.

The EU4Health 2024 programme is already demonstrating its impact, launching a new wave of projects specifically targeting cancer prevention and early detection. These projects aim to reduce disparities in access to care, improve participation in screening programs, and build a more equitable approach to cancer care throughout Europe. A significant focus of these initiatives is on boosting health literacy, empowering citizens to make informed decisions about their health and participate actively in prevention efforts.

Several projects funded through EU4Health 2024 are specifically addressing inequalities between urban and rural areas, different regions of Europe, and various socio-economic groups. Initiatives like CURTAIN, INTERVENE, CHOICE, BCLEAR, and CLEAR-PC are dedicated to raising awareness about cancer risks, symptoms, and prevention pathways. Other projects, such as PACE and HEP-HOP, are focused on reaching underserved or vulnerable populations, including those in carceral settings and migrants/refugees, to improve access to vaccination, screening, and healthcare services.

The Joint Action SHIELD is leading efforts to eliminate cancers linked to HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HIV, supported by complementary projects designed to reach those most at risk. These multifaceted approaches highlight the EU’s commitment to a comprehensive strategy for cancer control, encompassing prevention, early detection, treatment, and supportive care for survivors.

The resolution adopted by the Parliament on February 5, 2026, coinciding with World Cancer Day, represents a strong signal of commitment to tackling this complex disease. With 427 votes in favour, 15 against, and 93 abstentions, the message is clear: the EU must continue to prioritize cancer research, prevention, and care to improve the lives of millions of Europeans affected by this devastating illness.