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Brussels, 02 August 2002

The European Commission and the European Parliament are working together to organise the conference 'Towards greater coherence in European cancer research', to take place in Brussels on 19 September.

Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin, Parliament President Pat Cox and a number of MEPs are expected to attend the event, which aims to foster a joint European strategy for cancer research by promoting the opportunities offered by the Sixth Framework programme (FP6) and rallying all the actors concerned. Cancer is highlighted as a priority within the health research field, and as such, will receive up to 400 million euro.

The conference will enable a broad range of stakeholders, including scientists, clinicians, patient groups, policy makers, representatives from national and European public and private cancer organisations and industry in cancer research to present their proposals for supporting the coordination of cancer research in Europe.

Although investment in cancer research across Europe is high, the research is not producing the results for which health practitioners and citizens are waiting. This is partly due to the fragmentation and duplication of research efforts within Member States and across the EU, as well as the lack of Community standards.

For further information, please contact:
Maria Vidal-Ragout
Maria-Jose.Vidal-Ragout@cec.eu.int

For further information on the EU's cancer research activities, please consult the following web address: nfo/en/33/index.html