About ECL
Making a difference in Cancer Control in Europe since 1980
The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) is a non-profit, pan-European umbrella organisation of national and regional cancer societies. Located in Brussels, ECL provides an exclusive platform for members to collaborate with their international peers, primarily in the areas of cancer prevention, tobacco control, access to medicines and patient support, and creates opportunities to advocate for these issues at the EU level.
ECL’s VISION: A Europe free of cancers ECL’s MISSION: To advocate for improved cancer control and care in Europe through facilitating collaboration between cancer leagues , and influencing EU and pan-European policies.
Cancer Prevention
The cancer burden is projected to increase by 25% by 2030. It has been estimated that almost half of all deaths due to cancer in Europe could be avoided if everyone followed the 12 recommendations of the European Code against Cancer (ECAC). ECL offers a unique platform for cancer leagues in Europe to exchange best practices, and benchmark cancer prevention strategies implementing the ECAC, by convening technical workshops, and organising study exchange visits for cancer leagues to learn first-hand from their peers.
Tobacco Control
Tobacco is the single most important risk factor for cancer, responsible for over 30% of cancer burden in Europe. ECL joins efforts with other European and international partners to advocate for e.g. proper implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the Tobacco Products Directive, plain packaging, tax policies, tobacco free investment and the fight against illicit trade.
Access to Medicines
Established in 2016, the ECL Access to Medicines Task Force aims to make cancer medicines available for all cancer patients in Europe by insisting on accessibility, sustainability of healthcare systems and transparency of drug prices. The Task Force strongly believes in the power of dialogue. We urge all stakeholders to push for improved innovative treatments, advancing both overall survival and the quality of life of cancer patients. Currently, 25 national/regional cancer leagues, representing over 450 million Europeans, have signed the Task Force’s Declaration of Intent.
Patient Support
Since 2007 the ECL Patient Support Working Group (PSWG) connects cancer care experts who work together on topics such as access to insurance and financial services, return to work, caregiver support, cancer rehabilitation and palliative care. PSWG members share best practices, develop guidelines and other information sources to raise awareness and improve quality of care, and seek to empower the patient voice in national and European policy-making.
Products Directive, plain packaging, tax policies, tobacco free investment and the fight against illicit trade.
Access to Medicines
Established in 2016, the ECL Access to Medicines Task Force aims to make cancer medicines available for all cancer patients in Europe by insisting on accessibility, sustainability of healthcare systems and transparency of drug prices. The Task Force strongly believes in the power of dialogue. We urge all stakeholders to push for improved innovative treatments, advancing both overall survival and the quality of life of cancer patients. Currently, 25 national/regional cancer leagues, representing over 450 million Europeans, have signed the Task Force’s Declaration of Intent.
Patient Support
Since 2007 the ECL Patient Support Working Group (PSWG) connects cancer care experts who work together on topics such as access to insurance and financial services, return to work, caregiver support, cancer rehabilitation and palliative care. PSWG members share best practices, develop guidelines and other information sources to raise awareness and improve quality of care, and seek to empower the patient voice in national and European policy-making.
