Towards an EU legislation on the right to be forgotten to access to financial services for cancer survivors

Introduction: Financial discrimination may affect an increasing number of cancer survivors in Europe as a consequence of the improvement of cancer management. According to the latest projections, Europe counts around 20 million cancer survivors. In the few years, the issue raised the attention of the European policymakers.

Objectives: The goal of this study is to promote political and legal solutions taking into consideration the need to stop discrimination against cancer survivors. The article also aims to implement legal principles on patients' rights and social values at the national and European levels, emphasising EU competence on the matter.

Methods: The article reviews the current legal aspects concerning the right to be forgotten (RTBF) for cancer survivors in Europe, and it analyses the EU competency for its implementation.

Results: The legislative initiatives in force in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Portugal provide concrete examples of an effective solution for former patients that should be extended throughout the EU. Under these circumstances, the European Legislator could lead on multiple initiatives to implement at the European level the RTBF, as our research has demonstrated the EU competency for these matters.

Conclusion: A Pan-European solution based on the implementation of the RTBF is feasible within current treaties and seems the best approach to tackle the issue. The EU Action would provide a common and harmonised regulatory framework among the Member States to avoid discrimination and ensure equality among EU citizens being cured of cancer.