What could be a cancer mission objective if we join our forces in thefight against cancer?

摘要

The European cancer burden is growing rapidly, with an estimated 2 million deathsa year according to the latest research. As almost half of cancers are diagnosedafter the age of 65, and considering the aging European population, a tidal waveof cancer cases will sweep across Europe within the coming decades. Withoutmajor action, the additional number of annual cancer cases is expected to risefrom 4.2 million to 5.2 million by 2040. If we are to reach plateauing numbersby 2040 (as a minimum goal), this would require 0.75% annual reduction in riskand 1% reduction in risk of death. These challenges call for attack from variousangles, coordinated efforts, rational strategies, initiatives throughout thecancer trajectory, activities to reduce inequities, and implementation ofevidence-based measures. In order to defeat the societal challenges of cancerthrough innovation, Europe will need to join forces and connect the EuropeanCommission and the member states, politicians and citizens, industries andpatient associations. A cancer mission should thus unite the public and patientviewpoint to the perspective of cancer professionals. The authors describe aplan that has been agreed upon among some of the major European Cancerorganizations and associations. This plan uses a cancer mission as a tool andmust deliver robust medical evidence to patients and doctors throughhigh-quality research delivering sustainable and affordable strategies forprevention, treatment, and follow-up.