Levels of health inequality between countries and regions with respect to cancer prevention, control, access to treatment and survival are substantial. Inequalities also occur within countries, between regions, and between social groups. The European Code of Cancer Practice enshrines a series of ten overarching rights for patients, and in particular signposts what patients should expect from their health system, in order for them to achieve the best possible outcomes.

However, it is a reality of cancer care in Europe today that many patients cannot enjoy those rights, and it is only through coordinated action and policy developments at local, national and regional levels that the aim of equal access to high-quality cancer care for all will be realised.

This project is being set up to provide new data and analysis based on quantitative indicators, qualitative data and contextual information emanating from surveys. It will comprise two outputs:

• A series of EU Country Cancer Profiles in February 2023, followed by the release of an
  
• Overall report on State of Cancer Prevention and Care in the EU in 2023

Alongside regular qualitative and quantitative assessments of the country-specific situation, the project will identify challenges and specific areas of action to guide investment and interventions at EU, national and regional level under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

The 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. The European Cancer Inequalities Registry also supports Flagship 1 of the Zero Pollution Action Plan.

Each Country Cancer Profile provides a short synthesis of:

• the national cancer burden
• risk factors for cancer, focusing on behavioural and environment risk factors
• early detection programmes
• cancer care performance, focusing on accessibility, care quality, costs and the impact of COVID-19 on cancer care.

The Profiles are the work of the OECD in co-operation with the European Commission. This is the first edition of the EU Country Cancer Profiles 2023, published on 1 February 2023.

Download all EU Country Cancer Profiles 2023, either in English or in their native languages.