“Together, we can take away the fear and uncertainty that come with a cancer diagnosis and replace them with knowledge, determination, dignity and hope”: that was recalled by the European Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides at the start of the 2024 European Week Against Cancer. Since 2021, 4 billion euros have been invested “to launch a record number of projects, actions and initiatives addressing each stage of this disease, from prevention to early detection and treatment, as well as quality of life”. “In a strong European Health Union, nobody should be left behind regardless of their medical predisposition, prognosis or history”, goes on the Commissioner, who acknowledges that instead there are still deep inequalities in exposure to risk factors, “particularly affecting those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds”. A policy on cancer screening programmes, funded with over 30 million euros, will start soon. A study “on job retention and return to work for cancer patients and those with cancer experience” will also be published this week, while work is being done about the “right to be forgotten” when it comes to accessing financial services. “Only in the time taken to read this statement”, the short text ends, “around five new cancer cases have been diagnosed: we owe it to them – and all those touched by cancer – to continue making a change, spreading dignity and hope for all”.