20th anniversary of MEPs against cancer: Reflections on two decades of action

On May 22, 2025, the MEPs Against Cancer (MAC) group marked its 20th anniversary at the European Parliament. The event was hosted by MAC Chair MEP Romana Jerković, alongside Vice-Chairs MEP Loucas Fourlas and MEP Tilly Metz, and supported by the Association of European Cancer Leagues, which provides the group’s secretariat.

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition participated in the event, which brought together policymakers, national and regional cancer leagues, civil society organisations, and representatives from the cancer community to reflect on progress and identify future priorities for cancer prevention, care, and research across Europe.

A shared commitment to cancer prevention and support

Cancer remains one of Europe’s leading causes of death, with 1.3 million lives lost in 2022. Throughout the event, there was a strong emphasis on the need for continued collaboration to improve outcomes through prevention, early detection, and equitable care. The message was clear: no child or adult should have to face cancer alone.

This message of solidarity is particularly meaningful for the bladder cancer community, which continues to face challenges due to low public awareness and delayed diagnoses.

Reducing inequalities across Europe

The meeting highlighted ongoing disparities in cancer outcomes across EU member states. Countries such as Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Poland report mortality rates up to 15% higher than the EU average. The European Commission’s plan to establish at least one comprehensive cancer centre in every country by 2028 aims to address this imbalance.

For people affected by bladder cancer, this commitment offers hope for improved access to early detection, specialised care, and post-treatment support, which remain uneven across the EU.

Strengthening research and innovation

The Horizon Europe programme has invested €488 million in over 2,000 cancer research projects. These include work on clinical trials, survivorship, and targeted therapies. However, bladder cancer continues to receive disproportionately low research funding, despite being the fifth most common cancer in Europe and one of the most costly cancers to treat.

This funding gap limits progress in vital areas such as non-invasive diagnostics, bladder-preserving treatment options, and quality-of-life research. WBCPC continues to call for more equitable research investment that reflects the real needs of the bladder cancer patient community.

Looking ahead

The MAC anniversary was not just a reflection on progress, but a call to act. The MEPs Against Cancer group demonstrated that the challenge is immense, so is their determination. With continued investment, innovation, and compassion, they remain committed to transforming cancer care across Europe.

WBCPC welcomes the MAC group’s continued leadership. We remain committed to ensuring that bladder cancer is fully recognised, resourced, and included in Europe’s cancer response, so that no one faces it alone.

To better understand the challenges faced by people living with bladder cancer, explore the findings from our Bladder Cancer Patient & Carer Experience Survey.