The FINANCIAL — In 2008 (latest figures available), an estimated 2.4 million new cases of cancer, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, were diagnosed in EU countries – 55% in men, and 45% in women.
The FINANCIAL — In 2008 (latest figures available), an estimated 2.4 million new cases of cancer, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, were diagnosed in EU countries – 55% in men, and 45% in women. The most commonly diagnosed cancers were prostate, colorectal, breast and lung cancer1. Yet it is estimated that more than one third of cancers are preventable.
The EU invests over €180 million per year in cancer research — The EU is an important cancer research funder. During the past six years, the EU has invested more than €1.1 billion in international collaborative research, frontier research, mobility programmes, public-private partnerships and coordination of national cancer research efforts.
More than half this budget – €680 million – has been used to encourage key players from across Europe and beyond to join forces in 'collaborative research projects', to find new ways to fight cancer and help patients. These projects help us better understand how various types of cancer develop, how they can be diagnosed earlier and treated more successfully.
With the knowledge that cancer can be avoided by adopting healthier lifestyles, and outcomes greatly improved if cancer is detected early on, the "Code" aims to arm citizens with key information through its 11 recommendations :
Do not smoke. Avoid obesity. Undertake some brisk, physical activity every day. Increase your daily intake and variety of vegetables and fruits. Moderate your daily consumption of alcohol. Avoid excessive sun exposure. Avoid exposure to known cancer-causing substances. Women from 25 years of age should participate in cervical screening. Women from 50 years of age should participate in breast screening. Men and women from 50 years of age should participate in colorectal screening. All should participate in vaccination programmes against the Hepatitis B virus.
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