Lung Cancer Europe is launching a new Charter on World Cancer Day, 4th February, to highlight the urgent need for more equitable, people-centred lung cancer care across Europe.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in Europe, yet people affected by lung cancer continue to face wide and unacceptable differences in access to screening, diagnosis, treatment, information, and support depending on where they live. Despite major advances in science and care, too many people are diagnosed late, experience fragmented pathways, or are excluded from innovation that could improve both survival and quality of life.

In response, Lung Cancer Europe has developed this Charter to set out a shared set of expectations for lung cancer care across Europe. The Charter brings together 11 core commitments that reflect what people affected by lung cancer should be able to expect from health systems, policymakers, and decision-makers. It is intended as a practical reference point to support advocacy, guide policy discussions, and strengthen efforts to reduce inequities in lung cancer care over the coming years.

This Charter is grounded in lived experience and informed by Lung Cancer Europe’s ongoing work with member organisations, policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals across Europe. It is not a campaign document, but a statement of intent – designed to support consistent, people-centred lung cancer care and to reinforce the principle that living longer must also mean living better