Vigenin: Health literacy is key to reducing inequalities in cancer

“Cancer literacy is not only about providing information. It means giving people the knowledge and confidence to make decisions, and reducing inequalities.” This was said by Kristian Vigenin, Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, during the first Cancer Literacy Day, held in Brussels at the initiative of the European CURTAIN project.

According to the MEP, cancer is often discussed through the lens of scientific research, innovative treatments and screening programmes, but there is another important aspect: whether people have the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their own health. A screening programme can hardly be effective if people do not understand why they should take part and what the benefits of early diagnosis are. That is why clear communication and trust between health professionals and patients are needed.

Health literacy in Bulgaria

Vigenin pointed out that the differences and inequalities between EU member states are particularly visible and that in Bulgaria access to prevention, early diagnosis and specialised care remains uneven. According to a recent OECD report, more than one in three Bulgarians has insufficient health literacy. In 2019, only 4% of people in the relevant age group reported having been screened for colorectal cancer in the previous two years, compared with an OECD average of 45%. The MEP noted that these figures reflect not only a lack of awareness but also shortcomings in the organisation of screening and prevention. In his view, the problem is not only about awareness; there are structural causes as well.

European initiatives against cancer

At European level, Vigenin said that important initiatives such as Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Mission on Cancer are already in place, but health literacy must be part of how they are implemented in practice and turned into real improvements in people’s lives.

Vigenin stressed that, as Members of the European Parliament, their responsibility is to ensure the right policies, resources and cooperation between member states to deliver these initiatives. In conclusion, the MEP said: “Access to reliable and understandable health information should not depend on where a person lives, what their education is or what their income is.”