European Week against Cancer 1997
6 October 1997 - 6 October 1997
This year's European Week against Cancer, which runs from 6 to 12 October 1997, will focus on the theme of female cancers (breast cancer and cervical cancer). A massive information campaign, aimed at the female population of the 15 Member States, will aim to boost cancer prevention and screening for these major cancers.
It is estimated that one woman in ten in Europe will develop breast cancer, the most common type of cancer in women (25% of all female cancers). The consensus view among experts in Europe is that systematic early detection could reduce breast cancer mortality by between 20% and 30%. Almost all types of cervical cancer can be avoided or cured if the early warning signs are identified and treated. After systematic screening was introduced in certain Nordic countries, cervical cancer mortality fell by 80%.
Mr. Padraig Flynn, European Commissioner responsible for public health, emphasized that the information campaign will carry two messages: the first will aim to persuade women of the need to talk about these forms of cancer, with the slogan "Silence is cancer's best friend"; while the second will urge them to consult their doctor - "Seek advice from your doctor".
The National Leagues and Association against Cancer, partners in the "Europe against Cancer" programme, will be organizing a variety of events and activities around the theme of the week. These will include the setting up of freephone helplines and the widespread distribution of leaflets and posters. In addition, a 30-second publicity spot will be broadcast free of charge by European television channels.
Further information about the events that will be taking place during the 1997 European Week may be obtained from the "Europe against Cancer" national coordinators, or from:
European Commission
DG V - Employment, industrial relations and social affairs
"Europe against Cancer"
DG V/F-2
EUROFORUM
10 rue Robert Stumper
L-2920 Luxembourg
Tel. +352-4301-32488; Fax +352-4301-34975
It is estimated that one woman in ten in Europe will develop breast cancer, the most common type of cancer in women (25% of all female cancers). The consensus view among experts in Europe is that systematic early detection could reduce breast cancer mortality by between 20% and 30%. Almost all types of cervical cancer can be avoided or cured if the early warning signs are identified and treated. After systematic screening was introduced in certain Nordic countries, cervical cancer mortality fell by 80%.
Mr. Padraig Flynn, European Commissioner responsible for public health, emphasized that the information campaign will carry two messages: the first will aim to persuade women of the need to talk about these forms of cancer, with the slogan "Silence is cancer's best friend"; while the second will urge them to consult their doctor - "Seek advice from your doctor".
The National Leagues and Association against Cancer, partners in the "Europe against Cancer" programme, will be organizing a variety of events and activities around the theme of the week. These will include the setting up of freephone helplines and the widespread distribution of leaflets and posters. In addition, a 30-second publicity spot will be broadcast free of charge by European television channels.
Further information about the events that will be taking place during the 1997 European Week may be obtained from the "Europe against Cancer" national coordinators, or from:
European Commission
DG V - Employment, industrial relations and social affairs
"Europe against Cancer"
DG V/F-2
EUROFORUM
10 rue Robert Stumper
L-2920 Luxembourg
Tel. +352-4301-32488; Fax +352-4301-34975