Transforming EU Continence Health: A Manifesto for Policy Reform
This Manifesto, led by the European Association of Urology and co-signed by Cancer Patients Europe and other stakeholders, addresses the continence health challenge affecting 55-60 million Europeans — many of whom experience continence problems as a consequence of prostate, bladder, and cervical cancer treatments. The document sets out ten policy demands for EU and national policymakers including development of a comprehensive EU continence health strategy, equitable access to solutions and reimbursement, improved public toilet infrastructure, training of multidisciplinary healthcare providers, sustainable care solutions, informal caregiver support, research funding, public awareness campaigns, and public-private partnerships. The Manifesto highlights the €69.1 billion economic burden in 2023 projected to reach €320 billion by 2030 without policy action.