The fight against cancer in Europe is far from over. Even after four years of the Beating Cancer Plan, many inequalities in prevention and treatment persist. This World Cancer Day serves as a critical reminder for EU policymakers to act swiftly and effectively.
Cancer affects everyone, but not everyone has the same access to care. Where you live or your income shouldn’t determine your cancer risk or treatment options. Unfortunately, these disparities still exist within the EU.
Every nine seconds, someone in Europe hears the devastating news: “you have cancer.” In 2022, about 2.7 million people received this diagnosis. The disease took around 1.3 million lives, making it the second leading cause of death in the region. Each number represents a real person—someone’s friend, neighbor, or family member.
The statistics show glaring differences in cancer mortality rates among EU countries. For example, Croatia, Hungary, and Poland have rates that exceed the EU average by over 15%. On the flip side, Spain and Sweden enjoy some of the lowest rates in the EU overall.
What’s causing these gaps? Research shows that access to vital cancer prevention services—like screenings and vaccinations—varies widely depending on a person’s socioeconomic status and where they live. Disadvantaged groups are often hit the hardest.
Risk factors affecting cancer rates, such as smoking, poor diet, and pollution, are more likely to affect those with lower incomes and education levels. This highlights the urgent need for equitable healthcare solutions.
Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in Europe, illustrates this issue well. Studies indicate that men with less education are 2.6 times more likely to die from lung cancer than their more educated counterparts, and for women, the rate is 1.7 times higher. Where people live significantly affects their cancer risks; the most polluted areas often overlap with poorer regions, increasing lung cancer risks.
Access to medications is another area of concern. The high costs of new treatments can make them inaccessible for countries with tighter budgets. For instance, patients in Germany had access to 46 of the 48 cancer drugs authorized in the EU between 2019 and 2022, while those in Lithuania could obtain only 3 treatments.
These systemic issues perpetuate a cycle of inequality, making it hard for individuals and communities to break free from the burden of cancer. Addressing these disparities is essential for reducing the overall impact of cancer in Europe.
The EU’s Beating Cancer Plan emphasizes reducing these inequalities. Although progress has been made, many commitments to tackle key factors driving this inequality remain unfulfilled.
The European Commission has several strategies to close these gaps. Important measures, such as updating tobacco legislation and improving food labeling, should be implemented without delay. Additionally, governments need to collaborate on joint procurement of cancer medicines to lower prices and make treatment more accessible.
Policymakers have both a legal and moral responsibility to protect those at risk and promote a healthier environment for everyone. By addressing these inequalities and supporting preventative measures, the EU can ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to cancer care.
