Tumors, Schillaci: "The fight against cancer is a priority for the Government and the Ministry of Health."

Minister's message at the inaugural ceremony of the 27th National Congress of AIOM

"President Mattarella's presence further demonstrates the institutions' profound commitment to the fight against cancer, which is a top priority for the Government and the Ministry of Health. This commitment translates into investments in cancer research, the strengthening of treatment and care services, and the daily support for patients and their families. Thanks to extraordinary advances in research, we now have more effective treatments and higher survival rates. The data fully demonstrate the value of Italian oncology: between 2020 and 2025, a reduction in cancer mortality rates of 14.5% in men and 5% in women is estimated. These results are better than the European average and the main EU member states." This was stated by Health Minister Orazio Schillaci in a message sent to the 27th National Congress of AIOM - Italian Association of Medical Oncology, which opened this afternoon in Rome in the presence of President Sergio Mattarella.

"The Italian healthcare system continues to be recognized as one of the best in the world, thanks primarily to the work of healthcare professionals, to whom we extend our gratitude," Schillaci added. "We are aware of the need to strengthen the system, with new resources and more staff. And that is the direction we have taken. The new budget law includes funds to hire more doctors and nurses and to strengthen cancer screening for breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. At the same time, we continue to promote healthy lifestyles to combat risk factors: 40% of cancer deaths are avoidable through healthy behaviors. Prevention remains our primary cure: we are working to build an increasingly proactive and people-centered healthcare system."

"The fight against cancer requires unity and finds strength in the ongoing and effective collaboration between institutions and scientific societies. The Italian Association of Medical Oncology represents a point of reference, and the contribution of Italian oncologists is essential to jointly addressing the challenges facing the National Health Service," the minister concluded.