BRUSSELS -
New EU recommendations to increase cancer prevention with a broader indication of screening.
Breast cancer screening is now recommended for women between the ages of 45 and 74 (from the current 50-69), and for cervical cancer by the papillomavirus test between the ages of 30 and 65.
Testing for colorectal cancer is expected between the ages of 50 and 74, and for lung cancer for heavy smokers and former smokers between the ages of 50 and 75.
Prostate antigen testing is expected for men up to 70 years of age.
Helicobacter pylori screening is then indicated, where there is a high incidence of gastric cancer.
The objective to which we are aiming, explains the European Commission, is to reach 90% of breast, colorectal and cervical cancer screening by 2025
on the amounts provided for by the European Cancer Plan, and to extend targeted screening. on other cancers such as those of the prostate, lungs and stomach.
The aim of the proposed recommendation is to increase the number of screenings, covering more target groups and more cancers, with a new approach, based on the latest scientific evidence and developments available.
"Cancer is a health priority for us - says Margaritis Schinas, vice president for the promotion of the European lifestyle in the EU Commission -.
Over the past two years, Covid has put the prevention, detection and diagnosis of cancer to a severe test.
. Detecting cancer early can make a real difference by increasing treatment options and saving lives. And for that, we need to step up screening across the EU. "
"In 2020, about 2.7 million people living in the EU were diagnosed with cancer and over 1.3 million people lost their lives - says EU Commissioner for Health, Stella Kyriakides.
We know that the diagnosis early life saves lives and improves the quality of life. Today, as part of the European Plan against Cancer, we are defining a new course for screening ".
The European cancer screening program targets
cancers which account for nearly 55% of all new cases diagnosed in the Union each year
, he stressed.
"The EU must act quickly and close the gap created by the impact of COVID-19 on cancer diagnosis and treatment. Together we can all make a difference for cancer trends."
The new indications on screening, after 20 years from those in force,
will see European support for 38.5 million under the EU4Health program and 60 million under Horizon Europe.
The Commission will propose additional funding for cancer screening under the EU4Health 2023 program, further support may also be provided by European regional, cohesion and social funds.
