European Cancer Pulse: What is your country doing to beat cancer?
16.11.22
The European Cancer Pulse, unveiled today at the European Cancer Summit 2022, provides a public-facing tool that puts the spotlight on health inequalities in cancer in Europe. Tracking more than 120 data measurements, the searchable online tool complements the European Commission’s Cancer Inequalities Registry with information on the cancer workforce, access to technology, research investment and much more.
The European Cancer Pulse was developed by the European Cancer Organisation (ECO), with the support of EFPIA and the expertise of the Swedish Institute of Health Economics. It offers an easy-to-use and evidence-based means of advancing the goals of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) and the Mission on Cancer.
“This tool is a critical element of making Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan a success,” said Nathalie Moll, Director-General of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). “If we’re truly serious about fighting this deadly disease and reducing inequalities in Europe, more measurements and more transparency are essential.”
The European Cancer Pulse is a new home for data, bringing together all the work done by the European cancer community” said ECO President, Andreas Charalambous. “Improving cancer care through evidence-based decisions requires measuring and highlighting what each country is doing and comparing it to other countries. Where are we ahead? Where are we lagging – and why?”.
The European Cancer Pulse is a new home for data, bringing together all the work done by the European cancer community” said ECO President, Andreas Charalambous. “Improving cancer care through evidence-based decisions requires measuring and highlighting what each country is doing and comparing it to other countries. Where are we ahead? Where are we lagging – and why?”.
Tackling inequalities together
Health inequalities are a lose-lose for Europe, impacting individuals and families, reducing economic and social productivity, and leading to higher healthcare and welfare costs. Inequalities in health are estimated to cost the EU €980 billion per year (9.4% of EU GDP).
Cancer is responsible for one in four deaths in Europe, making it the second leading cause of death and disability after cardiovascular disease.
Cancer is on the frontline of the drive to raise standards of care for all. In cancer care, inequalities determine whether patients have timely access to prevention, screening, diagnostics, treatment and care. This shapes survival rates and quality of life.
The EFPIA Oncology Platform’s vision is for every patient in Europe to have access to the cancer care they need. The European Cancer Pulse ensures a data-driven focus on identifying and addressing equity and solidarity in healthcare across Europe.
‘What gets measured gets done. That is why we need an ambitious and forward-looking system that can ensure continuing investment and progress in cancer care,’ said Ivana Cattaneo, Chair of the EFPIA Oncology Platform. Faster, more equitable access across Europe is an achieved able goal shared by all stakeholders. But nobody can achieve this alone. We must work together to identify and tackle barriers to better outcomes.’
Explore the launch version of European Cancer Pulse – additional data will be added regularly to ensure it becomes a dynamic source of information which can inform policy at all levels.