Question for written answer P-001870-19
to the Council
Rule 130
Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D)

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all cancers. Long delays in diagnosis, unequal access to treatment, a dearth of research and lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms of the condition are all contributing factors to these low figures.

Insufficient attention and scarce research funding mean there is not enough data about this type of tumour to enable proper diagnosis, let alone screening. No reliable biomarkers have been found for pancreatic cancer, and high-risk populations have not been defined. The general lack of prioritisation in cancer plans and national policies have led to it being called the neglected cancer in some countries, and it is similarly described in the Commission’s Innovative Partnership for Action Against Cancer Joint Action.

Romania has set tackling cancer as a priority, and will organise an expert meeting on cancer screening in Bucharest to discuss actions to combat and control cancer.

In view of the above:

• 1.What is the Council planning to do to address pancreatic cancer during its term in office?
• 2.Will the Council include pancreatic cancer in the expert discussions on cancer prevention and control?
• 3.Does the Council agree that pancreatic cancer should be explicitly included when reviewing Council conclusions and recommendations on cancer?