Despite advancements in medical research and treatment, childhood cancer is still the leading cause of disease-related deaths in children older than one in Europe. The European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) and Childhood Cancer International - Europe (CCI-E) are urging policymakers to join us in our mission to cure more, cure better, and tackle inequalities in childhood cancer care and research across Europe and prioritise childhood cancer on the EU political agenda as the new mandate begins.
Each year over 35,000 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer and, tragically, over 6,000 of them do not survive. Improved access to new treatments is required to cure more children. Although adult cancer therapies are evolving with more innovative medicines reaching Europe, childhood cancer patients are being left behind. Only 16 specific childhood cancer medicines have been authorised in the EU compared to over 150 for adult cancers from 2007 to 2022. The revision of the EU Pharmaceutical Legislation is a crucial opportunity to cure more children and improve innovation for unmet medical needs. Improved access to more effective treatments can be achieved through specific market incentives such as a "first-in-child" incentive and ensuring equal access to medicines.
A childhood cancer diagnosis impacts life during and after treatment. Of the 500,000 childhood cancer survivors in Europe, many face long-term side effects that hinder their ability to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives and fully participate in society and the economy. We need less toxic medicines to ensure better treatment with less adverse side effects. Additionally, survivorship initiatives and psychosocial support are important considerations. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan placed a much-needed spotlight on these issues by launching initiatives aimed at improving survivorship, which should be maintained in the long-term.
Finally, another major concern is the stark disparity in survival rates across Europe, with children in Western Europe enjoying survival rates that are approximately 20% higher than those in Eastern Europe. This inequity is unacceptable and demands urgent action. To tackle inequalities, we must implement Comprehensive Paediatric Cancer Infrastructures which are adequately resourced, recognise the specificities of childhood cancer patients and collaborate with existing EU cancer care initiatives including the European Reference Network for Paediatric Cancer. Public investment in childhood cancer interventions, as seen through the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission, are of paramount importance and should be maintained in the Multiannual Financial Framework. Accelerating implementation of the European Standards of Care for Children with Cancer across Europe is an ongoing aim of our Community. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has access to the best possible care and an equal chance at life.
The 2024-2029 mandate is the chance to progress European Union initiatives and deliver childhood cancer-specific policies that will save lives, improve the quality of survival, and eradicate inequalities.
SIOPE and CCI-E will host an online event on this topic on 24 September. Follow our social media channels to learn more.
Online Event Information
Why Childhood Cancer should stay high on the EU Agenda for 2024-2029
Date: 24th September 2024
This year's Gold September – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month event will focus on raising awareness and increasing support for childhood cancer research and treatment, aiming to reduce the persistent inequalities across Europe.
We warmly invite you to register your interest to join here.
Ciara Sheehan is Senior Policy Officer at SIOPE
Rachel Vedovelli is Policy Intern at SIOPE