Public health: action plan to combat cancer 1996-2000

OBJECTIVE: adoption of a Community action programme to combat cancer in the Community - COMMUNITY MEASURE: European Parliament and Council decision 646/96/EC adopting an action plan to combat cancer within the framework for action in the field of public health (1996-2000). - SUBSTANCE: . Duration and objectives: the action plan is established for a period of 5 years (1 January 1996 - 31 December 2000) and aims to contribute to providing a high level of health protection. It includes measures intended to: - prevent premature deaths from cancer, - reduce mortality and morbidity due to cancer, - improve the quality of life by improving people's general state of health, - promote general well-being, particularly by reducing the social and economic effects of cancer. . International cooperation: the programme is open for cooperation with the associated countries in Eastern Europe, Cyprus and Malta. In its implementation cooperation with the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the NGOs active in this field is encouraged. . Coherence and complementarity: it is to be implemented in coherence and cooperation with other relevant Community measures and programmes (the research programme in the field of biomedicine and health and the programmes establishing an integrated information network). . Budget: it is provided with a budget of ECU 64 million for the period in question. . Implementation: the Commission is responsible for implementing the plan in close cooperation with the Member States. It is assisted in its task by a committee whose role is a mixed one depending on the area in question (advisory and management). . Monitoring and assessment: the Commission will assess the measures carried out. It will submit to the EP, the Council, the ESC and the Committee of the Regions a mid-term and a final evaluation report on the programme. . Measures to be implemented: measures which can be funded under the action plan are listed in an annex: - action A: data gathering and research: exchanges of information and experience in the collection of data relating to cancer records (prevalence, survival rates, etc.), epidemiological studies on carcinogenic agents, including environmental factors, working conditions and prevention methods (including studies on the role of food), establishing priorities for cancer research, particularly in the framework of Community research programmes and the transfer of results; . action B: health information and education: organization of an annual 'Europe against cancer' week, dissemination of cancer prevention messages (European code against cancer), extending the network of pilot preventive information schemes, information and awareness-raising campaigns targeting specific groups (public places, the workplace), Europe-wide anti-smoking campaigns (including combating passive smoking, creation of networks of the 'no-smoking towns', 'no-smoking hospitals' type, etc.), dissemination of better practices on giving up smoking, implementation of health education programmes, particularly for specific groups (town planners, radiologists, etc.) and establishment of networks of initiatives aimed at promoting health education (promotion of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, combating smoking, combating excessive exposure to UV rays), establishment of programmes for teachers, dissemination of teaching materials aimed at prevention, studies on young people's perception of cancer); - action C: early detection and screening: establishment of Community networks for mass screening for breast and cervical cancer, dissemination of a common cancer terminology and classification, feasibility studies for early detection of other cancers (ovarian, prostate, skin, colon, mouth); - action D: training and quality control: continued implementation of the 1989 Commission recommendation on training of cancer professionals, support for mobility of health professionals (particularly those engaged in training) with a view to improving knowledge of cancer, exchanges of experience and conferences on good practice in combating cancer, preparation of educational material designed to improve the knowledge of staff involved with cancer, promotion of initiatives and studies aimed at improving knowledge of methods of checking the quality of early cancer detection mechanisms, support for quality control programmes (checks on radiotherapy equipment and staff training). ENTRY INTO FORCE: 20.03.1996. �