New Report Warns Europe Must A new analysis reveals that millions of Europeans still lack access to well-organised, equitable cancer screening programmes, despite major advances driven by Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. With cancer expected to affect 31% of men and 25% of women in the EU by age 75, the findings underline an urgent need for stronger national action.
Technological progress is transforming cancer screening and enabling earlier detection than ever before. However, the latest evidence shows that too many citizens are not benefiting from these innovations. Unequal implementation across member states remains a major obstacle.
While the EU has contributed through new recommendations, guidelines, and funding for pilot projects, further progress now depends largely on individual countries. National governments must ensure their screening policies reach all people who need them—regardless of income, education or place of residence.
Major disparities revealed by the ECO Screening Index
The ECO Screening Index highlights striking differences in screening policy implementation across Europe. Scores vary dramatically—from 26% in the lowest-ranking countries to 91% in the highest. This wide gap illustrates the need for more consistent, coordinated efforts across the continent.
Over the past two years, the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) has worked with cancer experts and partner organisations to develop Next Level for Cancer Screening: From Commitments to Continued Action for Early Cancer Detection. Launched at the European Cancer Summit 2025, the report evaluates progress nearly five years into Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and identifies the steps required to close existing gaps. Drawing on expert consultations, real-world data and peer-reviewed research, the report outlines concrete areas where member states must accelerate implementation.
Key actions recommended by ECO
1. Fully utilise EU tools and quality frameworks
Countries should make better use of existing EU resources — including detailed screening guidelines and quality-assurance schemes — to improve consistency and raise standards across national programmes.
2. Introduce new screening programmes
Pilot initiatives supported by the EU are already advancing screening for prostate, lung and gastric cancers. Member states now need to turn these pilots into fully operational national programmes.
3. Address social inequalities in access
Screening participation differs widely depending on income, education and geographic location. Rural communities, low-income households and underserved groups must be prioritised to ensure early detection is not limited to those with better access.
4. Scale up innovative approaches
Evidence shows strong results from mobile screening units, self-collection kits, and culturally tailored communication strategies. Scaling these solutions can significantly improve participation and reach individuals facing logistical or cultural barriers.
ECO calls for stronger political commitment
ECO urges EU member states to intensify efforts and fully leverage EU-level resources. The organisation also recommends ongoing, structured monitoring — including a screening implementation report every five years — to track progress and ensure that improvements translate into real benefits for citizens. The report stresses the importance of long-term collaboration between policymakers, clinicians, technical experts and patient communities. Maintaining momentum from Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan is essential to safeguard the progress achieved so far.
Expert perspectives
Isabel Rubio, president-elect of the European Cancer Organisation, stated:“To make cancer screening more efficient, equitable, and sustainable, Europe must strengthen cooperation between experts and decision-makers at both national and EU levels. Permanent channels for long-term best-practice exchange — including an EU Network of Screening Agencies — are essential to ensure every citizen benefits from the best screening strategies.”
Luis Seijo, co-chair of ECO’s Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network, added: “Inequalities in cancer screening are costing lives. When programmes are not organised or accessible, early diagnosis becomes a privilege rather than a right. We call on EU member states to focus on screening uptake by researching barriers, running EU-wide awareness campaigns and guaranteeing free access to screening and follow-up care.”
Notes to editors
ECO Screening Index: A benchmarking tool created by ECO to track national progress in cancer screening policy. It evaluates factors such as national cancer plans, the existence of screening registries, implementation of organised programmes and participation differences linked to social determinants.
Guidelines and quality-assurance schemes: Developed within the EU Initiatives on Cancer Screening and Care, these evidence-based guidelines and QA systems cover the entire care pathway, translating scientific recommendations into operational quality requirements.
Self-collection kits: Allow screened individuals to collect samples independently. Currently applicable for cervical and colorectal cancer screening, they help overcome barriers related to distance, disability, cultural factors or past traumatic experiences.
About the European Cancer Organisation
The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) is the largest non-profit, multi-professional cancer federation in Europe. It brings together hundreds of professional societies and patient groups to promote more effective, efficient and equitable cancer care.
About ECO’s Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network
The ECO Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network brings stakeholders together to advance policy in primary prevention, screening and early detection. It supports consensus-building and helps shape national policies to strengthen cancer care systems across Europe.
