Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, Who Overcame Tongue Cancer, Also Supports the Legislation

German politicians who survived cancer are pushing for a "right to be forgotten" to shield former patients from discrimination in areas like bank loans, adoption, and insurance. The Social Democrats (SPD) drafted a proposal stating that after medically justified time limits, typically five years, disclosure of a past cancer diagnosis could no longer be required. Adis Ahmetović, the SPD's foreign policy spokesperson, who has been tumor-free since October 2024, argues the policy would not cost the state a cent.

He is backed by Manuela Schwesig, a breast cancer survivor and state premier, who said Germany lags other EU countries in allowing survivors a fresh start. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, who overcame tongue cancer, also supports the legislation. A petition for RTBF reforms has gathered over 55,000 signatures, initiated by Tobias Burggraf, whose daughter was diagnosed with cancer at age two and a half.

Survey data cited by the SPD shows 77% of medically declared cancer survivors face discrimination in private insurance. However, the German Insurance Association (GDV) warned against fixed time limits, citing risks of relapse and other diseases. Susanne Weg-Remers of the German Cancer Research Centre countered that cancer survivors' risk of new tumors is not significantly higher than the general population. The German Foundation for Young Adults with Cancer noted 16,500 people aged 18 to 39 and 2,100 children are diagnosed annually, with over 80% curable.