European week against the Cancer (EWAC)
Every nine seconds, a new cancer case is diagnosed in the European Union (EU), a disease that claimed 1.3 million lives in 2022. Cancer is the leading cause of death among men and women under 65 years old, and it is projected to increase by more than 24% by 2035.
In the workplace, cancer is also the leading cause of work-related deaths. Each year, there are 120,000 cases of work-related cancer in the EU, and as a result of exposure to carcinogens such as silica, hardwood dust, diesel fumes, and asbestos, among others, 80,000 people die annually.
The situation justifies the need to address the challenges involved in the fight against cancer, especially since it is estimated that around 40% of cancer cases could be prevented.
One week for action
The European Week Against Cancer (EWAC), held annually between 25 and 31 May, is an initiative led by the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) to raise awareness and sensitise about the importance of cancer prevention, access to treatment, and support and quality of life for people after diagnosis. The European week proposes a key theme to focus on each day. We are also encouraged to share messages about cancer prevention throughout the week.
Mutua Universal, coined our motto “It is preventable”, we join this week of action against cancer, especially in the prevention of occupational cancer, offering resources that we make available to our associated companies and affiliated persons on the following topics, which we consider key in our field.