Breast Cancer Information Day at the European Parliament

Brussels, 17 October 2007

On 17 October 2007 EUROPA DONNA representatives distributed more than 200 copies of the newly published "Short Guide to the EU Guidelines on quality assurance in breast cancer screening and diagnosis" to MEPs during the Breast Cancer Information Day. This and other materials dedicated to furthering the implementation of the European Parliament Resolution on Breast Cancer in the Enlarged European Union, adherence to the EU guidelines for quality assurance in breast cancer screening and diagnosis, and the creation of specialist breast units were also distributed to ensure that breast cancer remains on the European Parliamentary agenda.

Short Guide PDF

New European guidelines discussed at EPGBC meeting

Brussels, 7 June 2006
The 7 June 2006 meeting of the EPGBC was dedicated to the new fourth edition of the European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis and evidence of the effectiveness of mammography screening. Guest speakers included Dr. Lawrence von Karsa of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a Co-editor of the EU guidelines and leader of the IARC-co-ordinated European Cancer Network (ECN), and Dr. Margrit Reichel, from the Mammography Screening Reference Centre in Wiesbaden, Germany and a co-author of the EU guidelines. They stressed that quality assured mammography screening can save lives and improve the quality of life of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

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Exhibition and reception at European Parliament

Brussels, Belgium
Exhibition: 17-21 October 2005
Reception: 18 October 2005

A week-long exhibition entitled "Breast Cancer in the EU-25" was held at European Parliament to increase awareness of the need to implement the Breast Cancer Resolution. On behalf of the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Head of Cabinet, Margaritis Schinas, spoke at the reception on 18 October and brief remarks were provided by EUROPA DONNA President, Stella Kyriakides, and Karin Joens, MEP, Chair of the European Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer. The exhibition focused on breast cancer’s impact on women within the EU and highlighted the European Parliament Resolution on Breast Cancer and the recently updated EU Guidelines.

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EPGBC meeting 'How to use structural funds for mammography screening'

Brussels, 28 June 2005
The 28 June EPGBC meeting addressed the important issue of cost and funding for mammography screening programmes. Guest speaker Chris de Wolf, member of the European Breast Cancer Network, analysed the different costs for mammography screening across Europe. Peter Ungar, DG Regio of the European Commission, then explained how to use Structural Funds for mammography screening. Karin Jöns, EPGBC Chair and MEP, and Susan Knox, Executive Director of EUROPA DONNA, emphasised the need to implement mammography screening programmes adhering to the European guidelines.

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Meeting of the EPGBC

Brussels, 26 January 2005
This meeting of the EPGBC was be the first to include an invited expert speaker to explain key elements of the European Parliament Resolution on Breast Cancer. The EU Co-ordinator of the European Breast Cancer Network (EBCN), Dr. Larry von Karsa, provided an introduction to mammography screening according to EU guidelines.

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See the press release.

Meeting of the European Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer (EPGBC)

Brussels, 12 October 2004
The meeting of the European Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer (EPGBC) discussed the means to ensure that the implementation of the European Parliament Resolution on Breast Cancer in the member states is followed closely and that future activities are envisaged for upcoming years.

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European Parliament Plenary Session

Brussels, 5 June 2003
At a plenary session in Strasbourg the European Parliament heard a Report on Breast Cancer and voted in approval of a Resolution on Breast Cancer in the EU. The Report draws attention to the urgent need for action in bringing the highest standards of breast cancer care to all patients in Europe.

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European Parliament Exhibit and Reception

Brussels, 3-6 June 2002
Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission attended an exhibit and reception in the European Parliament in Brussels on 4 June 2002 organised by the newly formed EPGBC - The European Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer - and by EUROPA DONNA - The European Breast Cancer Coalition.

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First meeting of the European Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer

Strasbourg, 5 September 2001
MEP Karin Jöns and EUROPA DONNA representatives met with Members of European Parliament to form the European Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer (EPGBC). Karin Jöns chaired the meeting in which eight representatives from five countries committed future joint efforts to ensure that the issues surrounding breast cancer remain foremost in the minds of fellow Parliamentarians.

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European Parliament Reception

Strasbourg, 4 July 2000
Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission attended a reception in the European Parliament on 4 July held by EUROPA DONNA - The European Breast Cancer Coalition. The presence of over 75 MEPs plus members of the European Commission at this event indicates that there is increasing concern about this devastating illness in Europe.

See the press release.