23/05/2022
European Hormone Day is happening tomorrow. A key moment to bring decision makers and experts together to better understand the role of hormones in health and wellbeing and support patients with endocrine diseases. But why do hormones need a dedicated Day?
Because cancer is Europe's second greatest cause of mortality and illness, accounting for 3.7 million cases, 50 000 of which are thyroid malignancies, resulting in 1.9 million deaths per year. The endocrine perspective must be strengthened, and endocrine related cancers must be recognised in the Beating Cancer Plan and Horizon Europe research calls.
Because today, there are over 1,500 chemicals in our environment that can contribute to endocrine cancer, obesity, diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, and infertility. This results in annual costs of between 157 and € 270 billion, in direct health care costs as well as lost earning potential. To avoid production and exposure to pesticides, biocides, and consumer products containing suspected EDCs, we need to strengthen and harmonize legislation while complying to the precautionary principle.
Because overweight and obesity are responsible for nearly 40% of all cancer diagnoses. Obesity affects half of all of adults and one-third of children in Europe. Obesity must be recognised as a chronic relapsing endocrine disease by all stakeholders at the European and national levels, with a focus on prevention and the development of new treatment options.
Because rare endocrine diseases affect approximately 30 million people in Europe, and the endocrine system is involved in over 400 rare diseases. Resources must be allocated to help European Reference Networks mature, as well as to drive the development of registries and innovation in diagnosis and treatment.
Please join us in focussing on the role of hormones in health and disease.
Learn about European Society of Endocrinology here: www.ese-hormones.org