For more than 20 years, cancer patients have worked successfully with European Parliamentarians to learn about, debate and form policies geared towards cancer patients in a cross-sectoral and cross-party manner, making use of outside expertise and participation of stakeholders. The Forum Against Cancer Europe (FACE) will be the continuance of this work. The work of FACE will consists of monitoring the work of the European Union; monitoring the situation of various legislation that passes through the EU that will effect cancer patients in the EU Member States and liaising with civil society groups to relay their concerns at the European level.

Statement of former co-chair of MEPs Against Cancer (MAC)

Dear Friends, As the former Co-Chair of MEPs Against Cancer, this is a brief note to thank you for the friendship and steadfast support you provided to this forum to raise the concerns of cancer patients up the political ladder. In the past legislature in collaboration with cancer patients and the European Cancer Patient Coalition, we have raised our voice about the need to take direct action against cancer. We all know what a terrible disease cancer is and its impact on those who suffer from the disease, and to the people around them. The sheer size of this issue is devastating. Over three million people are diagnosed with cancer each and every year. Europe has been aware of the problems for more than a decade. But it needs political will. It is vital that strong MEPs continue their efforts to raise cancer and stimulate dialogues and actions between all parties.  I believe that by working together at European level, we can make a real and positive difference in this respect. Therefore, please support the "Forum Against Cancer in Europe" and proactively support the actions that will tackle cancer. Sincerely, Dr Adamos Adamou (Former Co-Chair of MEPs Against Cancer) Consultant Medical Oncologist Former Member of the European Parliament

Monitoring the work of the European Union

FACE will monitor the work of the European Union mostly by examining the legislative work of the European Parliament, and making sure that cancer patients issues are included in the various reports, amendments and resolutions the Parliament works on. We also regularly remind the European Commission of problematic cancer patient’s issues, and how they should be dealt with.  Finally, the Interest Group follows relevant European Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights decision.

Promoting the Interest of Cancer Patients

Beyond examining the work done by European institutions in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg, we also examine the everyday situation for cancer patients in EU Member States and beyond. We take an active part in promoting the cancer patients’ rights, or reminding Member States and their authorities of their obligations under the Lisbon Treaty, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, or the European Convention on Human Rights. As the Interest Group is constituted by different representatives from across the EU, this will provide the platform so that we can regularly remind other Member States of their duty to protect and implement effective national cancer plans for cancer patients.

Liaising with civil society

Finally, we also act as a bridge between civil society groups and European institutions, relaying their concerns at the European level. We regularly meet with non-governmental organisations based in Brussels, and with organisations and human rights activists based in Europe and the world when possible. The expertise of non-governmental organisations is essential to the work of the Intergroup. We aim to listen to their concerns and their priorities, as they reflect the situation lived by millions in Europe and in the world.

Our tools

The Forum Against Cancer Europe uses specific tools in its work, including:

• Work with members of the Forum on reports, resolutions or amendments to include concerns of the cancer patients within the formal EU texts;
• Formally ask parliamentary questions through various parliamentarians, which can be written or oral (during a plenary), and addressed to the European Commission, the President of the European Commission, or to the European Council;
• Organise internal or public meetings on specific issues, to raise awareness among MEPs and facilitate exchanges of views between MEPs, experts and civil society;
• Write open or private letters to authorities in EU institutions, in Member States to manifest MEPs’ position on a certain topic;
• Attend conferences across Europe to raise awareness of the event at the local and national levels, listen to the concerns of local communities, and ensure that authorities provide sound and secure surroundings for the events.

Our priorities

Our work for the legislative period 2010-2015 is guided by six priorities. We work on issues connected to cancer patients through the following six priorities:

• Making cancer a priority for action on the European health policy agenda
• Effecting change in legislative or regulatory policies to help optimize cancer prevention, detection, treatment and care throughout Europe.
• Ensuring that all cancer patients in the EU have access to timely and appropriate information about prevention, screening, early intervention, on-going clinical trials and best quality treatment and care.
• Empowering cancer patients to take an active role in shaping European and national policy that impacts on cancer prevention, treatment and care
• Ensuring that best cancer practice is shared across the EU and gaps within and between Member States are eradicated.
• Fostering co-operation between the cancer patients’ organisations within Europe and to develop a common policy