Cancer was the second leading cause of death in OECD countries (after circulatory diseases which include heart failures and strokes), accounting for 21% of all deaths in 2021. In 2022, there were an estimated 2.78 million new cancer cases in the 27 European Union Member States (EU27) and incidence rates are rising.  Men or people from lower income or education backgrounds have higher prevalence of cancer risk factors (such as smoking, poor diet etc), and higher cancer mortality rates.  

The EU Country Cancer Profiles identify strengths, challenges and specific areas of action for each of the 27 EU Member States, Iceland and Norway, to guide investment and interventions at the EU, national and regional levels under the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. 

Cancer screening allows for early cancer detection and improved survival. Countries where more people participate in breast cancer screening tend to have better outcomes, including lower breast cancer mortality rates compared to the number of new cases. Despite population-based screening programmes for breast, colorectal and cervical cancers in most EU countries, participation rates vary greatly and are concerningly low in many countries. 

Certain groups, particularly those with lower education or income levels, also experience differences in cancer screening rates. For example, the likelihood of having had a mammogram is 15% lower among women with lower education levels.  Culturally tailored campaigns, providing screenings through mobile units or at pharmacies, and raising cancer awareness among GPs can help increase screening rates.

Worldwide, over half of cancer deaths in men and one-third of cancer deaths in women are attributable to modifiable behavioral, metabolic or environmental risk factors. People with lower education and income levels are more likely to use tobacco, be overweight, have unhealthy diets and be physically inactive. These challenges call for comprehensive policy packages, including regulatory and fiscal policies that modify the prices, availability and advertising of products associated with cancer risk. Information and communication measures are also needed to change attitudes around these risk factors, and prevention measures need to reach people where they spend the most time, such as at schools, workplaces, communities and within the primary care system.

Between 2004 and 2022, 152 new cancer medicines were approved by the European Medicine Agency; this rapid introduction of new oncology medicines raises concerns about the ability to provide and sustain affordable access, even among the wealthiest countries around the globe.