The New Law on Oncological Oblivion in Italy
This law, which came into force on January 2, 2024, represents a significant step in protecting the rights of former cancer patients, guaranteeing them the possibility of not being discriminated against because of their medical history.
Objectives of the Law
The law on oncological oblivion aims to prevent any form of prejudice or unequal treatment towards people who have recovered from oncological diseases. It is based on fundamental principles of the Italian Constitution and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as well as on the European Plan to Fight Cancer.
Right to Oncological Oblivion
The right to oncological oblivion allows people who have recovered from an oncological disease not to have to provide information or undergo investigations regarding their previous pathological condition. This right applies to various areas, including:
Banking and financial services: Information about previous oncological pathologies cannot be requested or used to determine contractual conditions if active treatment has been concluded without relapses for more than ten years (five years if the pathology arose before the age of 21).
Adoptions: Health investigations of applicants cannot report information about previous oncological pathologies if more than ten years have passed since the conclusion of active treatment, in the absence of relapses, or more than five years if the pathology arose before the age of 21.
Job competitions and selections: Health information cannot be requested during competitive selection and hiring procedures.
How to Obtain the Certificate
To obtain the certificate of oncological oblivion, former patients must apply to a public health facility or a doctor. The certificate certifies that the applicant has recovered from an oncological pathology and has not had episodes of relapse for the period established by law.
Impact of the Act
This law represents an important step forward in the fight against discrimination of former cancer patients. It recognizes that, thanks to medical advances, many people can recover from cancer or live with it as a chronic disease. The law aims to ensure that these people can live without the burden of stigma associated with their former medical condition.
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