World Cancer Day is a moment to reflect not only on progress, but also on what still needs to change.
A recent assessment by the European Parliament on Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan confirms important advances, while also highlighting uneven access to care, rights, and support across Europe.
For young people affected by cancer, these gaps are not abstract. They shape access to follow-up care, employment, financial security, and long-term quality of life.
The report points to:
• Persistent inequalities between Member States
• Inconsistent implementation of survivorship rights
• Limited employment protection and work-life balance support
• Variable access to digital and long-term follow-up care
These findings reflect why YARN exists: to connect young people, patient organisations, professionals, and policymakers, and to strengthen equitable cancer care and survivorship across Europe.
On World Cancer Day, youth perspectives and lived experience remain essential to turning EU ambition into real-world impact.
Read the full study here.
Implementation Findings:
