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The European Union and research on cancer

Cancer research represents one of the European Union's major areas of action in the field of medical and health research. It has been one of the specific themes of Community research since the fourth programme of medical research (1987-1991). Within the present medical researc...

Cancer research represents one of the European Union's major areas of action in the field of medical and health research. It has been one of the specific themes of Community research since the fourth programme of medical research (1987-1991). Within the present medical research programme (BIOMED, 1990-1994), 57 cancer research networks exist, involving 1,437 teams in 17 different countries. Activities are carried out by the networks in the following areas: - Epidemiological research; - Research on improving early diagnosis; - Research on improving cancer treatment; - Research on the quality of clinical care and on the evaluation of health services. In accordance with other Community activities in the field of medical research, the aim is to strengthen the coordination of activities and national programmes. Activities are based on exploiting the European dimension of research: exchanges of information and data; comparison of results; harmonization of analysis and treatment protocols; development of central services and databases. All major national laboratories who are active in the field of cancer research in Europe are involved in the programme. The International Agency for Cancer Research, the World Health Organization WHO and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) all play an important role. EORTC, for example, has developed an information network of cancer research centres in Europe: EUROCODE. The organization also possesses a central database, which stocks information on more than 60,000 patients, with 6,000 new patients a year. , The Fourth Framework Programme for RTD (1994-1998) adopted by the Council on 26 April 1994 includes a new specific programme of medical research which will contribute ECU 60 million to cancer research. The new programme will also continue to provide a framework for research on AIDS, health problems due to old age, medical technology and other areas. It will also cover new areas such as neuroscience and pharmaceutical research.