The new horizon of cancer oblivion: a law for protection and dignity
Italy adopts measures to protect the rights of cancer survivors
A long-awaited law
On December 5, the Italian Senate finally approved the Oncological Forgetting Law, legislation that represents a significant step forward in protecting the rights of people healed from cancer. The text, accepted by unanimous vote in both the Senate and the House, aims to strengthen the prevention of discrimination. This law is an important milestone in the fight against discrimination experienced by people cured of cancer, especially in areas such as obtaining loans, insurance, and adopting children.
The key provisions
The law consists of five articles outlining the right to oncological forgetting. This right allows people who have recovered from an oncological condition to withhold information about their past health condition under certain circumstances. The law states that for contracts between private parties, health information cannot influence the terms and conditions of the contract. The period of forgetting is 10 years from recovery, reduced to five years for those diagnosed before the age of 21. In addition, banks and insurance companies may not require health assessments from customers who fall into these categories.
The social impact
More than 390,000 new cancer diagnoses are estimated in Italy in 2022, with the number increasing from previous years. The new law on cancer oblivion offers hope and dignity to nearly one million Italian citizens considered cured of cancer, giving them back the chance to live a life free of discrimination and bureaucratic obstacles. The law is seen as a major victory by voluntary associations and doctors, celebrating the elimination of the stigma associated with cancer.
Toward implementation
The President of the Republic’s signature will officially enshrine the law. The Ministry of Health will have two months to work out details on how to certify the right to oncological oblivion. The law represents an advanced model compared to those adopted in other European countries, such as France and Belgium, underscoring Italy’s commitment to protecting the rights of people cured of cancer.