An MEP has asked a question in the European Parliament on the specific funding for cancer in males.
In a written question, Kathy Sinnott MEP from Ireland who sits in Independence/Democracy Group in the parliament outlines the need for action on cancer prevention in men. She points out that men are less likely than women to consult a doctor when a problem occurs leading to more health problems and a higher cancer rate among men, which results in a lower life expectancy. In addition, she says, men are poorly aware of the symptoms associated with the most common male cancers. She presents figures from Ireland pointing at strongly increasing incidence of cancer in men.
Ms Sinnott suggests that men should be particularly encouraged to keep healthy if the EU wishes to narrow the health gap between the sexes. Pointing out that apart from prostate cancer, there is currently no EU funding targeting cancer in men, she decries a lack of funding for screening programmes and appropriate treatment.
She concludes by asking the Commission if it is aware that there is no EU funding specifically for the treatment and prevention of lung, colon, bladder and other cancers in men. She also calls for a Commission response to the lack of knowledge on cancer among young European males.
The Commission is expected to provide its answer to the question in mid-late April.
