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CC 527 2024
Coincard
BU Niederländisch
Coincard – Dutch version
Belgium · Fight against cancer in Belgium
Mintage62,500
Issue price€11.00
Issue date13 May 2024
PackagingCoincard
Edge lettering2 ★ ★ × 6, alternating upright/inverted
Market price€14.90
Mintage information from source: Gesamt 125.000 · 1:1 auf NL/FR geteilt
Issue occasion
The commemorative coin is dedicated to the fight against cancer in Belgium. The design features a ribbon as a universal symbol of this fight, transitioning on both sides into a heartbeat curve as a sign of life and vitality. Three lines in the upper section form a rainbow symbolising hope and comfort; below them are the French and Dutch inscriptions “Lutte contre le cancer” and “Strijd tegen kanker”.
The design
The design consists of a ribbon that serves as a universal symbol for the fight against cancer. At both ends, the ribbon smoothly transitions into the depiction of a heart rate curve, symbolizing life and vitality. Three lines in the upper area symbolize a rainbow, representing hope and comfort. The country code BE and the year 2024 are engraved in the lowest line. The lower area of the coin bears inscriptions in French and Dutch: “Lutte contre le cancer” – “Strijd tegen kanker”. The initials of the designer Iris Bruijns are located to the left above these inscriptions. As the coins are minted by the Royal Dutch Mint, the Utrecht mint mark, a caduceus, is also applied at the very bottom, together with the mark of the Belgian mint master, an aster in front of an Erlenmeyer flask.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the coin’s outer ring.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the coin’s outer ring.
Background on the topic
Cancer is not a single disease, but a collective term for numerous diseases in which altered cells multiply uncontrollably. Accordingly, the “fight against cancer” includes not only medical treatments, but also prevention, early detection, research, psychosocial support, rehabilitation and support for people after they have overcome the disease. Tobacco prevention, vaccinations against human papillomaviruses and screening programmes for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer all play a role.
In Belgium, cancer control is divided among several levels of government. The federal state is primarily responsible for areas such as health insurance, medicines and part of hospital policy. Prevention and organised early-detection programmes, on the other hand, largely fall within the responsibility of the Communities and Regions. Consequently, campaigns, invitation procedures and participation rates may vary within the country.
A central foundation of health policy is the Belgian Cancer Registry (Belgisches Krebsregister). It collects nationwide data on cancer diagnoses and enables analyses of the incidence of different diseases, regional differences and survival rates. Such data are needed for planning screening services, treatment capacities and research. The national cancer plan presented in 2008 brought together measures in the areas of prevention, early detection, care and research.
The subject also has a European dimension. In 2021, the European Commission presented Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (europäischen Plan zur Krebsbekämpfung). It addresses prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and the quality of life of patients and survivors. It also includes joint research programmes and the exchange of health data.
The Belgian issue is apparently not linked to a single anniversary or a particular person. Rather, it addresses an enduring public-health and social concern. As a circulation coin, the issue brings the subject to a broad section of the population and also draws attention to patients, relatives, nursing staff, doctors and research.
In Belgium, cancer control is divided among several levels of government. The federal state is primarily responsible for areas such as health insurance, medicines and part of hospital policy. Prevention and organised early-detection programmes, on the other hand, largely fall within the responsibility of the Communities and Regions. Consequently, campaigns, invitation procedures and participation rates may vary within the country.
A central foundation of health policy is the Belgian Cancer Registry (Belgisches Krebsregister). It collects nationwide data on cancer diagnoses and enables analyses of the incidence of different diseases, regional differences and survival rates. Such data are needed for planning screening services, treatment capacities and research. The national cancer plan presented in 2008 brought together measures in the areas of prevention, early detection, care and research.
The subject also has a European dimension. In 2021, the European Commission presented Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (europäischen Plan zur Krebsbekämpfung). It addresses prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and the quality of life of patients and survivors. It also includes joint research programmes and the exchange of health data.
The Belgian issue is apparently not linked to a single anniversary or a particular person. Rather, it addresses an enduring public-health and social concern. As a circulation coin, the issue brings the subject to a broad section of the population and also draws attention to patients, relatives, nursing staff, doctors and research.