Chirac calls for European cancer agency to encourage coherent Community policy
French President Jacques Chirac has called for the establishment of a European agency to foster the convergence of cancer policies in Member States. Speaking on 24 March, President Chirac said that it is important to place the fight against cancer in a European context so that partners can work together at creating coherent policies. 'There is a need for additional resources, better organisation and more coordination. There is also a need for strong will and long term determination,' said the President. The call coincides with the launch of an action plan aimed at revolutionising the approach to cancer treatment and research in France over the next five years. The plan has a total budget of 500 million euro and consists of 70 cancer prevention measures, enhanced treatment and increased research. The action plan concentrates on three particular areas of cancer research: epidemiology, cancer genetics and clinical trials. A national institute of cancer will also be set up to oversee and harmonise research activities in these areas. President Chirac concluded by say that 'in giving absolute priority to combating cancer, we do not wish to raise irrational hopes - cancer will not be defeated in a day. But one day, it will be, because we will have put in place all the measures necessary with methodical determination.'
Kraje
France