Joint letter to European Commissioners advocates for the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ for cancer survivors

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) has signed the joint letter advocating for the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ for cancer survivors has been sent to European Commissioners Olivér Varhelyi and Maria LuísAlbuquerque. This important initiative seeks to address the financial discrimination faced by cancer survivors across Europe.

Developed with valuable input from the Patient Advisory Committee of the European Cancer Organisation, of which WBCPC is a member, the letter highlights the ongoing challenges cancer survivors encounter when accessing financial services, including loans, mortgages, and insurance policies. Despite achieving complete remission, many survivors face significant barriers solely due to their past cancer diagnosis.

The ‘Right to be Forgotten’ aims to ensure that cancer survivors are not subjected to discrimination based on their medical history after being declared cured. The joint letter calls for a unified European legislative approach, advocating for a binding legal framework that guarantees equal access to financial services for cancer survivors across all EU member states.

Currently, nine EU countries have established legal protections under the ‘Right to be Forgotten’, while twelve member states still lack any such regulations. The letter urges the European Commission to address this disparity and ensure fair access to financial services for all cancer survivors.

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote equality and non-discrimination for cancer survivors. We look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration with policymakers to achieve this important objective.

For more information, please visit the European Cancer Organisation or contact us at the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition.