Parliament has joined the global Gold September campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer by lighting up its Brussels building in gold on 1-6 September.
Every year, more than 35,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in Europe. Although the average survival rate at five years is 80%, there are significant differences between European countries due to unequal access to the best care and expertise.
500,000 ;Estimated number of childhood cancer survivors in Europe in 2020
Leukaemia appears to be the most frequent and most lethal cancer in children, accounting for more than 30% of new cases and deaths per year.
Fighting cancer is a priority for the EU. In June, the European Parliament set up a special committee to look at how the EU can take concrete measures to help beat cancer.
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the possibility of improving quality of life for patients and families
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scientific knowledge on prevention and specific action on tobacco, obesity, alcohol, pollution etc.
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how to support research into prevention, diagnosis and treatment of childhood and rare cancers, where an EU approach offers the best chance of success
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early detection and screening programmes
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how to support non-profit clinical trials
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possible EU action to facilitate the transparency of treatment prices to improve affordability and access
Polish EPP member Ewa Kopacz, who is the Parliament coordinator on children’s rights, said: “While we should strive for the prevention of paediatric cancer, we must also work to ensure that all children facing a cancer diagnosis have equal access to treatment and proper care throughout their treatment and recovery.”
The Parliament Vice-President, who is a former paediatrician and health minister, added: “By lightning the European Parliament in gold we send a strong signal of solidarity and support to children and adolescents fighting cancer, their families, childhood cancer survivors and professionals serving them.”
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20200827STO85802