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Dec 20, 2024, 02:18

Françoise Meunier: The Right to be Forgotten continues to evolve in Belgium

Françoise Meunier, Member of the science policy committee at the European Academy of Cancer Sciences, shared on LinkedIn:

“The Right to be Forgotten continues to evolve in Belgium, ensuring better protection for individuals with a history of cancer!

As of 1 January 2025, the base timeline for the Right to be Forgotten will be reduced to 5 years, regardless of the age at diagnosis.

Additionally, the Economic Committee of the Chamber has recently approved a proposal to eliminate the obligation for cancer survivors to disclose their cancer history after the designated timeline. This important step is expected to receive final approval during an upcoming plenary session. More details here.

This builds on Belgium’s existing 2019 legislation, which prohibits insurance discrimination based on a cancer diagnosis. Over the years, the law has expanded to include guaranteed income insurance, shorter timelines for specific cancer types (as outlined in the reference table), and significant advancements for breast cancer survivors.

Belgium is setting an example by prioritising fairness and inclusion in the insurance sector. These changes reflect ongoing medical advancements and highlight the critical importance of balancing risk assessment with compassion and equity.

I will continue advocating for ending discrimination against cancer survivor in Belgium and throughout the EU to ensure no one is defined by their cancer history”

Françoise Meunier is a member of the science policy committee at the European Academy of Cancer Sciences. Prof. Meunier served as Director-General of the European organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (1991-2015).

Prof. Meunier was awarded the Belgian Laureate Prix Femmes d’Europe 2004-2005, conferred the title of Baroness by His Majesty, King Albert II of Belgium in 2007, received the Pezcoller Foundation award in 2009, became a Fellow of the European Academy of Cancer Sciences in 2011.

She was appointed Chair of Accreditation Council of Oncology in Europe and Member of Alliance for Biomedical Research in Europe in 2015, and has been a member of the Belgian Royal Academy of Medicine since 2006.