In a written answer on 3 July 2026, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Olivér Várhelyi rejected claims that COVID-19 vaccinations caused an increase in cancer deaths among young people, stating that no scientific evidence supports such a link and that European Cancer Information System (ECIS) data shows no sudden spike since 2021. The response, addressed to Austrian MEP Gerald Hauser (PfE), aims to reassure the public and stakeholders that EU-funded research continues to investigate long-term cancer trends and risk factors.
The question, submitted by Hauser, cited a review of 69 studies from 27 countries suggesting a temporal association between mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and rising cancer rates in the 15-49 age group, as well as mechanisms identified by the US CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Várhelyi countered that the cited article describes only retrospective patterns, not causal evidence, and reiterated the Commission's previous stance from answers to parliamentary questions E-002078/2025 and E-000093/2026 that no increase in cancer occurrence following vaccination has been observed.
Várhelyi pointed to ECIS data, which shows a gradual long-term increase in some early-onset cancers over many years, with no sharp discontinuity around 2021. He noted that robust 2021 incidence data will only become available in the second half of 2026. The Commission's answer avoids concrete new measures, instead reaffirming ongoing support through the Horizon Europe Cancer Mission and Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, which fund research into environmental and lifestyle risk factors for cancer in younger age groups.
the Commission seeks to maintain public trust in COVID-19 vaccination programmes while continuing existing cancer research efforts. No new investigations or regulatory actions were announced. Institutional follow-up is expected through the 2026 ECIS update and future Horizon Europe calls, including projects on carcinogenic substances and virtual human twin models for cancer research.