Europa Uomo issues message to European Parliament members at roundtable event
New Members of the European Parliament were urged to make prostate cancer screening a priority at a special roundtable event held in the European Parliament last week.
Europa Uomo’s André Deschamps introduced the event, which attracted eight new MEPs, by asking the question: “How can the new set of EU policy makers best support prostate cancer patients in Europe?” He went on to emphasise the importance of looking at new data about the benefits of risk-based early detection programmes rather than turning to outdated findings about the risks of overtreatment.
“Today, we have the knowledge to introduce screening without the risk of overtreatment,” he said. “We are all guilty if we don’t start today.”
The event, organised by the Let’s Talk Prostate Cancer initiative, focused on advancing prostate cancer screening and care in the EU. Alongside the MEPS attending were health policy experts and representatives from non-governmental organisations, professional and patient bodies. Speakers included Antonella Cardone of Cancer Patients Europe, Giuseppe Gorini from the Institute for the Study and Prevention of Cancer, Hendrik van Poppel from the European Association of Urology and Richard Price from the European Cancer Organisation.
“The focus was, of course, on the need for screening,” says André Deschamps. “I was glad to hear that all the MEPs present were in favour – and, even more importantly, they were starting to appreciate the gain in quality of life that comes with effective early detection. Our message is starting to drip in.”
At the end of the event, delegates presented a joint letter to the European Commission, urging the new Commission to prioritise prostate cancer screening practices during its mandate. The letter said:
“Building on the 2022 Council recommendation update, we propose launching prostate cancer screening pilots and implementing customised, risk-based screening initiatives. Sufficient investment and resources will improve early detection, enhance the patients’ prospects of a successful treatment, and advance the overall well-being of men across Europe.”
Pictured: André Deschamps (centre) talks with MEP András Kulja (right) and Eduardo Pisani of All.Can International