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EU states: Stronger commitment in the fight against cancer

by AI | 24.Jun 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Already today, some types of cancer can be prevented through vaccinations. However, the acceptance of these vaccinations varies greatly within the EU. How can these vaccinations be further disseminated in the member states?

The EU countries want to be more involved in the fight against cancer. Vaccinations are to play a role in this. Photo: Friso Gentsch/dpa

Luxembourg – The EU countries set a goal to intensify the fight against cancer. They recommend advocating for more vaccinations against viruses that can cause certain types of cancer, the countries announced on Friday in Luxembourg.

“A high proportion of cancer cases are preventable. In addition to combating risk factors such as alcohol, tobacco, and diet, vaccinations can play a key role,” said Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke. Belgium currently holds the regularly rotating chairmanship among the EU countries.

The recommendation is intended to help EU countries increase and better monitor vaccination rates. To achieve this, they are urged, among other things, to ensure that these vaccinations are free and easily accessible. The recommendation is not legally binding. With it, the states follow a proposal by the EU Commission.

According to a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), around 40 percent of all cancer cases are attributable to environmental factors, according to the EU countries. These factors also include infections with HPV and hepatitis B viruses. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are transmitted through sex and can cause cervical cancer and cancer in the throat area, among other things.

An HPV vaccine has been available for a long time. According to the Robert Koch Institute, the central institution of the German government for disease prevention and control, over 6000 women and around 1600 men in Germany develop HPV-related cancer each year. A vaccine against hepatitis B can prevent liver cancer, according to the Commission. However, the acceptance and monitoring of these vaccinations vary greatly within the EU, according to the countries. (June 21)