1. Promoting new measures for the protection of women workers with oncological conditions
Fight against cancer and protection of workers with oncological conditions: the Community framework
Anna Maria Sansoni
ADAPT - Marco Biagi Foundation
School for Advanced Studies in Industrial and Labour Relations

2. Background
One in three Europeans is diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime and one in four Europeans dies
2006: nearly 2,3 million new cancer cases and over 1 million cancer deaths within the EU
Death rates from cancer in the NMS higher than in the EU-15
Number of Europeans with cancer set to increase due to the ageing population

3. Background A new guideline at EU level:
to make fight against cancer a European priority, to pursue through an overall strategy involving European institutions, Member States, researchers, health officers and the patients and their families

4. Background
Current situation: cancer prevention and management is moving in the right direction (EJC – ECCO)
Following steps:
a new EU Cancer Action Plan
a Communication on Cancer
an interistitutional EU Cancer Task Force

5. Priorities Prevention and screening Information
only 3% of the OECD countries’ total budget for health is spent on prevention
Information
to address lifestyle-related health determinants such as tobacco, alcohol, nutrition and physical activity

6. Key Documents Council recommendation on cancer screening (2003)
Health Strategy 'Together for Health – A Strategic Approach for the EU '
Community Strategy on health and safety and work → at least 8% of annual cancer deaths caused by exposure to carcinogens at the workplace

7. Key Documents
EP Resolution on breast cancer in the enlarged European Union (2006)
EP Declaration on the need for a comprehensive strategy to control cancer (2007)
EP Resolution on combating cancer in the EU (2008)

8. EP Resolutions – key issues
cancer is caused by many factors → a new “cancer prevention program”
psychosocial care
improved communication
reintegration in the labour market
protection in the workplace

9. EP Resolutions – key issues
development of guidelines for a common definition of disability
a Charter for the protection of cancer patients in the workplace to enable patients to continue in employment during their treatment and to return to their normal professional activities

10. Funding possibilities
Seventh Framework Programme for Research
Cooperation → Health
→ biotechnology, generic tools and technologies for human health
→ translating research for human health
→ optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens
Capacities → research infrastructures, science in society, support to the coherent development of research policies

11. Funding possibilities
Second Programme in the field of health
to improve citizens' health security
to promote health, including the reduction of health inequalities
to generate and disseminate health information and knowledge

12. Funding possibilities
Structural Funds
ERDF → development of health care structures (NMS)
ESF → further training for medical personnel and information and education activities

13. Funding possibilities
Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)
all forms of innovation in the enterprises → CSR projects aimed at improving working conditions for people affected by cancer

14. Thank you for your attention!