Strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer: extracts from the debate and the votes, statement by Veronique TRILLET-LENOIR (Renew, FR), Rapporteur

The European Parliament debated on Tuesday and adopted on Wednesday (652 votes in favour, 15 against and 27 abstentions) measures and actions to fight cancer in the EU. Key recommendations by the Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA), presided by Veronique TRILLET-LENOIR (Renew, FR) include facilitating access to cross-border health care and clinical trials, managing shortages of cancer medicines more efficiently, and ensuring equal access to innovative drugs and treatments. Véronique TRILLET-LENOIR stated that the EU would be faster and better equipped to bring down the prices of cancer drugs, which are very high. Stella KYRIAKIDES, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, reminded that prevention is very important so that citizens can have specific recommendations on how they can reduce their risk of cancer. In general, MEPs agreed that a better cross-border cooperation is needed in the fight against cancer: