EAU endorses European Code of Cancer Practice (The Code)

On 23 September, the European Cancer Organisation launched the European Code of Cancer Practice (The Code). As a committed member of the European Cancer Organisation and in our responsibility to facilitate patient care at the highest of standards, the EAU is happy to endorse this code.

Translated in several languages is a citizen- and patient-centred manifesto of the core requirements for good clinical cancer practice, in order to improve outcomes for all of Europe's cancer patients. It has been co-produced by a team of cancer patients, patient advocates and cancer professionals. It has its origins in the European Cancer Patient Bill of Rights, which was launched in the European Parliament on World Cancer Day 2014 and won the prestigious 2018 European Health Award.

The Code sets out a series of 10 key overarching rights, and in particular signposts what patients should expect from their health system, in order for them to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The launch event, which was attended by EAU representatives, was supported by European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides who highlighted the importance of this code to the forthcoming EU Cancer Plan.

Arnulf Stenzl, EAU Executive Committee member, also EAU representative on the Board of the European Cancer Organisation said: "We applaud this valuable contribution towards patient-centred cancer care. We, at the EAU, are passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for patients. Information on patient rights is critical. The EAU Patient Information Initiative and the EAU Patient Advocacy Group are both important forums for us to disseminate this code, and work jointly with patients towards better care."