Beating Cancer position

Oral Health &
the Beating Cancer Plan

Download position

Cancer is a major health challenge affecting millions worldwide. At the Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe, we believe in the critical importance of integrating oral health into comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Our position paper on integrating oral healthcare into Europe’s flagship initiative – the Beating Cancer Plan – underscores this belief, offering a detailed roadmap to enhance cancer control through the inclusion of oral health initiatives.

Cancer-related initiatives have prominently featured in the European Commission’s recent agenda and are poised to continue as a key focus in the coming years. The spotlight on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has intensified among policymakers, particularly following the triumph of the Beating Cancer Plan. The European Parliament’s adoption of the NCD report in December 2023 has set the stage for additional legislative measures from the European Commission. This momentum is expected to foster the Platform’s proactive involvement in the coming mandate (2024-2029), ensuring that oral health remains a top priority in the health objectives for the forthcoming term.

Prevention:

  • EU Member States shall endorse fiscal policies aiding citizens in adopting healthy lifestyles for cancer prevention.
  • The European Commission shall promote the inclusion of oral health in national cancer prevention strategies.
  • Substantial EU4Health funds shall be allocated for Member States to execute cancer prevention and health promotion plans, focusing on vulnerable populations.

Early Detection:

  • The European Commission shall publish guidelines to utilize dental visits for early cancer detection.
  • Funds shall be allocated from EU4Health to support policies that reduce health inequalities in cancer care.
  • A push for gender-neutral HPV vaccination across the EU shall be endorsed to combat HPV-related cancers.

Reducing health inequalities:

  • EU Member States shall use EU4Health and other programs to enhance primary healthcare workforce training, improving oral health and cancer service delivery.
  • European Institutions shall back WHO’s goal for universal health coverage, ensuring access to essential oral health services and aiding in the early detection of oral cancer and other cancers.