Today, at the opening of the unit for internal specialist oncology, I once again realized that the loss of health represents an insurmountable obstacle in life?s path for too many. Cancer is a disease of the 21st century, where in one year around 12 million additional people around the world suffer from it and 7 million lose their lives. Statistics show that by 2030 the number of new cases of cancer will increase by 80 percent.

Despite the fact that the dynamics of cancer in the world are stronger than the dynamics of the fight against it, institutions such as the University Clinic Golnik are bright spots on the path to overcome this global disease. The clinic is synonymous with excellence and specialization. DuringSlovenia’s Presidency of the European Council, when I was the Minister of Health, I cooperated greatly with the institution and its leaders. Health in all policies ? was the declared goal that we set ourselves during that period and is now being fulfilled in all European policy institutions. Health, environment and food, areas which I work in the European Parliament, are now the common denominator of all European policies. In the economic and social crisis, the disease is knocking at the door. The crisis acts as a poison in relations, but this must not exist in health centers and institutions. Civil society can be a huge help to improve relations. In some countries, volunteers are already involved at both the therapeutic as well as the palliative areas in cancer control. Unselfish help, spiritual and moral support can moreover be provided by volunteers to patients and may be crucial in the treatment process.

When we talk about health we must also think of jobs. Work strengthens man and gives him necessary satisfaction, in turn affecting his wellbeing and health. The Golnik Clinic is further proof thatSloveniahas the conditions to become a land of health and tourism.