Cancer is the second-most common cause of death in the EU, and MEPs are pushing for billions in dedicated funding alongside tougher prevention measures to tackle the disease.Around 1.3 million Europeans die from cancer every year, while approximately one in two EU citizens is expected to be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.On Monday, the European Parliament’s Public Health Committee backed a resolution calling for at least €10.05 billion to be earmarked for health in the EU’s next long-term budget, including €2.5 billion specifically for cancer-related action.MEPs are also pushing for tougher prevention measures targeting tobacco, nicotine and alcohol.They want EU tobacco legislation updated to cover e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches, including restrictions on youth-targeted flavours, plain packaging and increased minimum excise duties.For alcohol, MEPs are calling for clearly visible health information on alcoholic beverages, measures limiting exposure to alcohol marketing and a zero-alcohol strategy for minors.The proposals also seek to tackle inequalities in cancer care across Europe by improving access to screening, diagnosis and treatment. MEPs want 90% of patients to have access to National Comprehensive Cancer Centres by 2030 and have backed the use of clinically validated AI in national screening programmes.Rapporteur Vlad Voiculescu said 40% of Europe’s cancer deaths are preventable.“Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan could save up to half a million lives each year,” he said. “We owe it to every EU citizen to deliver, in every member state.”What do you make of this?•