On 9 December, the Council of the European Union approved new EU recommendations on Cancer screening. This is part of a new approach to cancer screening – an important goal of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
It aims at ensuring that, by 2025, 90% of the EU population who qualify for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings are offered them.
Cancer screening for persons with disabilities
In line with EDF advocacy, the new Recommendation specifically includes persons with disabilities:
- It recognises that the needs of persons with disabilities regarding the support or special assistance in accessing cancer screening should be duly considered. Furthermore, it recognises the need for adapted clinical facilities.
- It highlights the need to ensure the implementation of accessible cancer screening programmes.
- It recommends that Member States ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in cancer screenings by making sure that the “clinical facilities for cancer screening are suitable for persons with disabilities.”
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Marine Uldry – Human Rights Policy Coordinator
Featured photo credit: Photo by Angiola Harry on Unsplash