In the ongoing fight against cancer, cooperation emerges as the cornerstone. Recognizing this imperative, the European Union (EU) and the United States (U.S.) jointly launched the EU-U.S. Health Task Force in May 2023 (Joint Press Release). This trans-Atlantic Task Force aims to bolster the partnership between the EU and the U.S. in the realm of health, concentrating on three main areas: prioritizing cancer, addressing global health threats, and fortifying the global health infrastructure.
Within the framework of this collaboration, the EU-U.S. Cancer Health Cooperation Expert-level Working Groups have been established. Both the EU and the U.S. are committed to enhancing cancer prevention, detection, and treatment for all individuals affected by the disease. Specifically, there is a shared focus on pediatric and young adult rare cancers, as well as adult cancer screening and treatment, with an initial emphasis on lung cancer. Additionally, there is a strong determination to overcome barriers hindering the sharing of data resources, thereby expediting advancements in health research.
To achieve these objectives, the Task Force has formed two expert-level working groups dedicated to childhood/young adult cancer and lung cancer. These groups align with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the U.S. Cancer Moonshot initiative. Their collaborative efforts aim to foster peer-learning, exchange best practices, and provide guidance on potential joint initiatives to enhance cancer outcomes globally. The overarching goal is to establish a structured dialogue on cancer, encompassing both policy and research collaborations. This entails harmonizing the U.S. Cancer Moonshot Initiative with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU Cancer Mission, and the U.S. National Cancer Plan, thereby driving forward collective progress in combating cancer.