A guest blog by the EFPIA Oncology Platform

Pharma Industry Perspective on the importance of continuing the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Europe is no exception: cancer is projected to become the top cause of death in the EU by 2035.

This multitude of diseases, called cancer, is among the most significant challenges of our time: it impacts us on multiple fronts, as individuals, families, carers, friends, and citizens. Cancer is also a challenge for healthcare systems and, as it takes people in the prime of their lives, it has a domino effect on the competitiveness and prosperity of economies and society as a whole.

In recognition of the magnitude of this challenge, the European Union launched in 2021 two ambitious initiatives, the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) and the  EU Cancer Mission, a beacon of hope for millions of patients and their families.

We are at a phase where scientific breakthroughs, cutting-edge technologies and major advances in our understanding of cancers have enabled unprecedented opportunities. New therapies, along with novel approaches in prevention, screening, radiotherapy, and surgery, are positively impacting people’s lives.

As we move forward, it is crucial to continue working to address the evolving challenges in cancer care: our collective job is not finished, much work remains to be done to truly transform cancer care. Until when we can say “cured”.

Since their inception, the EBCP and the EU Cancer Mission have made significant strides in various areas along the entire disease pathway, focusing around four key action areas (prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and quality of life) with several flagship initiatives and supporting actions. They are a best practice of how Europe is leading the way in the fight against cancer and strengthening collaboration with and across Member States.

Indeed, despite challenges, the EBCP has had a significant positive impact at both EU and national levels, by facilitating the sharing of lessons, evidence, and best practices and contributing to the development or renewal of national cancer control plans.

The comprehensive approach displayed by the EBCP and the EU Cancer Mission, including the focus on research and innovation, integrated data, digitalisation, and new technologies, have been instrumental in giving a sense of direction and therefore driving progress.

We can be proud of what Europe has achieved so far. We need to build upon these efforts to secure lasting impact.

We, at the EFPIA Oncology Platform represent the pharmaceutical industry. Since the start we have been and still are committed to supporting the EBCP and the EU Cancer Mission, working together with all stakeholders to create a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease.

Our vision is that every patient in Europe has timely access to the cancer care they need.

We want to improve the lives of cancer patients and their caregivers. We work with the cancer care community towards a policy environment which fosters continuous innovation, EU competitiveness as well as timely and broad access to cancer care.

We are convinced that we should build on the achievements from the last five years and avoid falling behind in oncology innovation, treatment, and outcomes. With the new EU political mandate, there is a collective responsibility to build on the promise of the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) and the EU Cancer Mission to take action against cancer.

To that end, it is urgent and important to

• Clarify the future of the EBCP and EU Cancer Mission: while the ongoing actions imply that work will continue, the current EBCP is set to expire in a few months, and no official continuation has been outlined, beyond 2025 even if the EU Cancer Mission vision is to improve the life of 3 million patients by 2030. A re-confirmed commitment, for example an updated roadmap bridging the gap between now and 2030, would guarantee continuity and give recognition and common governance to all activities happening on the ground, including the Joint Actions with Member States.
  
  
• Maintain funding and investment: with discussions on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework ongoing, it is of paramount importance to secure dedicated funding for cancer. Cancer policy is not about words, it is about actions and actions require resources. Health is a matter of security: social security, economic security, national security. Investment in health is an enabler to make societies more competitive, more prosperous, and more secure. Consistent engagement and investment in beating cancer can be a model for addressing other diseases and the EBCP can be a blueprint that demonstrates the effectiveness of structured EU action in health policy.
  
  
• Increase European, national and regional cooperation: by working together, we can address challenges, share best practices, and ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Many cancer-related initiatives are now being implemented at national level through Joint Actions involving Member States, which is a testimony of the value of these efforts. Given this momentum, it is important to ensure long-term involvement at national level, foster a greater inclusion of all stakeholders, including industry, strengthen cooperation with Member States in implementation. The recommendations and initiatives under the EU Beating Cancer Plan should also inform Member States’ National Cancer Control Plans.
  
  
• Continue Investment in Research and Innovation: the EBCP's emphasis on research and innovation is crucial. There are still challenges ahead of us. The number of oncology clinical trials in Europe has decreased by 22% over the past 5 years; it takes on average 559 days for European to access new cancer medicines. Cancer diagnoses continue to rise as the population grows and ages, placing pressure on healthcare budgets and resources. We need sustained support for research initiatives to drive breakthroughs in cancer care, streamlined and harmonized regulatory processes across the EU to speed up approval and adoption of innovative therapies, and an enabling environment that allows companies to continue investing in Europe, conducting R&D, and bringing life-saving innovations to patients.

Don’t let cancer destroy life.

Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission have laid a strong foundation for tackling cancer across the continent.  We should be proud of what has been achieved, but must build on these successes and continue the efforts. Focus on patient-centric care, on actions to address inequalities and disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, and refreshed collaboration are essential to overcome the remaining challenges and achieve Europe’s ambitious goals in cancer care.

We will continue this dialogue with the cancer care community on March 19^th at the EFPIA Oncology Platform Conference in Brussels. We will present the latest data on the status of cancer care in Europe, share insights, challenges, actionable solutions to reduce inequalities, foster innovation, ultimately improve cancer care in Europe.

Join us, working together towards a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease: Cancer Care 2030: From policy ambition to impact