Initiatives around the world

The Right to Be Forgotten for cancer survivors is gaining traction beyond Europe, with significant developments in Latin America.

In Chile, in February 2024, the government has taken a significant step by enacting the Law No.21.656, which amended the National Cancer Law. This legislation establishes the “Right to Oncological Oblivion”(Derecho al olvido oncológico), prohibiting any form of discrimination against individuals who have undergone cancer treatment. Specifically, this groundbreaking legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals who have experienced cancer, provided five years have passed since the completion of active treatment without relapse. The law explicitly invalidates clauses that impose discriminatory terms  , exclusions, or restrictions based on oncological history in contracts or agreements. Violations of this law can result in sanctions, the nullification of abusive clauses, and the enforcement of consumer protection measures. The law entered into force on 13 February 2024.

Similarly, in Costa Rica, advocacy efforts are underway to introduce a Right to Be Forgotten. Policymakers and cancer survivors’ advocates are collaboratively exploring potential measures to ensure that cancer survivors are not unfairly treated by financial institutions due to their medical history. While these efforts are still in the early stages, they reflect a growing awareness of the need to safeguard the rights and dignity of cancer survivors in the country.

These developments underscore the growing global momentum to ensure that cancer survivors can rebuild their lives free from financial discrimination, setting a powerful precedent for other regions across the world to follow.