Cancer patients have the right to be forgotten

The EPP Group wants cancer patients to have the right to be forgotten. "Europe must end the obstacles for former cancer patients when they want to access financial instruments such as loans, mortgages and life insurance. They mustn’t be punished for getting cancer", said Cindy Franssen MEP, the EPP Group's Spokeswoman for cancer-related issues, ahead of today's hearing on the topic.

The hearing, which starts today at 14.00 hrs, is being held by the EPP Group. Journalists are invited to participate. Here is the detailed programme and the link to register.

The EU's Beating Cancer Plan, which the European People's Party campaigned for in the 2019 European Election, calls for a so-called code of conduct, making sure that cancer survivors only need to share necessary and vital information. "This is certainly a good first step, but we want to go further. We need to look into ways to ensure the right to be forgotten through an EU law. We must dare to think big. The fight against cancer will be one of the main priorities for the coming years. Therefore, we completely support a European-wide approach”, said Franssen.

Franssen explained that France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have already made sure that cancer survivors can use their right to be forgotten when, for instance, applying for a mortgage ten years after the end of their treatment, if there has been no relapse, whereas some countries apply a five-year rule in the case of paediatric cancers.

"We must learn from these best practices in Europe. But there must be no first and second class citizens in Europe. The chances of surviving cancer mustn't depend on the country you come from. All cancer survivors must have the right to be forgotten, with special attention for young people. We will fight for fair access to financial services, loans, mortgages and life insurance for all Europeans. Those who survive mustn’t be punished twice", concluded Franssen.