Possible extension of screening to include prostate cancer

The European Parliament has adopted its final proposals for a comprehensive and coordinated EU strategy to fight cancer – including a recommendation that the European Commission should consider adding prostate cancer screening to EU-supported cancer screening programmes.

The report, by the Parliament’s Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA), was adopted with 652 votes in favour, 15 against and 27 abstentions on Wednesday. It calls for research efforts to assess new science-based programmes of lung, prostate, stomach and ovarian cancers, and based on this assessment, “to consider including lung and prostate cancer screening in the update of the Council recommendation in 2022”.

Europa Uomo has welcomed the adoption of the BECA recommendations. In a statement released on publication of the recommendations, Europa Uomo Chairman Andre Deschamps said: “They recognise the value of a prostate cancer screening programme and advise that prostate cancer screening should be included in the update of the council recommendation.”

“The introduction of screening programmes will be a major change for all prostate cancer patients. It will increase awareness and lead to early detection of significant cancers and hence improve the quality of life for patients and their partners.”

“Although a very important step, this is only the beginning of the journey. Europa Uomo and its members are ready to support.”