Council of the European Union adopts recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers

On June 21, the Council of the European Union took an important step in the fight against cancer by adopting a Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers. This recommendation, originally proposed by the European Commission on January 31, is an important part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. It aims to improve the uptake and monitoring of vaccinations against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), which are known to cause various forms of cancer. The PERCH project plays a crucial role in coordinating these efforts in relation to HPV across the EU.

The importance of HPV and HBV vaccination

HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women and can also lead to other cancers in men and women. HBV is strongly associated with liver cancer. Despite the availability of vaccines, vaccination coverage against HPV in girls is currently below 50% in many EU countries and data on vaccination coverage in boys is limited. The Council Recommendation sets an ambitious target: by 2030, at least 90% of the EU target population of girls up to the age of 15 should be vaccinated against HPV, with vaccination rates for boys also improving significantly.

To achieve these targets, the Recommendation calls on Member States to ensure that HPV and HBV vaccinations are free and easily accessible. It also emphasizes the importance of better informing parents and young people about the benefits of vaccination, tackling misinformation and integrating vaccination against vaccine-preventable cancers into national cancer plans.

The role of the PERCH project

A coordinated approach across the EU is essential to the success of these efforts, and this is where the joint action PartnERship to Contrast HPV (PERCH) plays a crucial role. PERCH aims to align national efforts with the goals outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Control Plan, taking into account the unique cancer burden and vaccination status of each Member State.

The Council Recommendation represents a significant commitment to reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable cancers in the EU. By leveraging the work of the PERCH project and adhering to the strategies outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, Member States can make significant progress towards achieving these important public health goals.