Dear Sir,
In response to Martin Sweeney’s earlier letter on “Living post a cancer diagnosis” (13th March), it is common to note that individuals who have successfully battled cancer and remained disease-free for a period of five to seven years post treatment, are less likely to experience a relapse. Statistically, around 12 million Europeans have managed to recover in the long run, with an annual increase of approximately 3%. Despite these encouraging figures, those who have successfully combated the disease often encounter barriers while accessing financial services.
This form of financial punishment should not pose as an extra obstacle. It unjustly hampers the process of recovery and stokes unnecessary distress. Back in 2016, a law was established in France granting former cancer patients a “right to be forgotten” while applying for mortgages, loans, or insurance coverage. Following this precedent, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Cyprus, and most recently, Italy, also enacted this right into law.
A group of five EU nations, inclusive of Ireland, implemented an optional code of practice within the insurance sector to eliminate this biased treatment. There are, however, concerns that this non-binding code may result in a holdup to the legislation process which should ideally be encompassing all EU member states. To make progress toward legislation in Ireland, it is crucial to reengage in an active, urgent discussion with the insurance sector.
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It is noteworthy that the prospects for cancer patients are continuously improving, resulting in an overall increase in survival rates. The wait-period for former cancer patients to gain access to regular financial services, without the burden of increased premiums, should be evaluated in accordance with current findings.
In a recent gathering in Brussels, attended by patients, MEPs, state ministers, physicians, surgeons, scientists, advocates, lawyers, representatives from insurance and cancer organisations, all attendees unanimously agreed upon the need for collective effort towards legislating EU-wide “right to be forgotten” laws for cancer survivors.
Such a concerning matter needs to be on the forefront for candidates in the upcoming national and European elections. This is not a question of empathy, it’s about equity.
Yours faithfully,
Niall O’Higgins,
(Professor Emeritus of Surgery,
University College Dublin),
Dublin 4.