Commission publishes Country Cancer Profiles ahead of World Cancer Day

Ahead of World Cancer Day, the Commission released the latest Country Cancer Profiles for all Member States, Norway, and Iceland. The 2025 reports show that cancer survival rates are increasing across the EU. However, cancer remains a public health issue and inequalities persist among Member States.

The profiles demonstrate how cancer affects us all, with more individuals under treatment or with a cancer history due to aging populations and improved survival rates. Most countries have developed national cancer plans aligning with Europes Beating Cancer Plan.

Key facts:

• Improved survival rates with a 12% decrease in mortality[1]. Prevalence increased by 24%[2], necessitating better rehabilitation programs.
• Four main cancer types, including colorectal, lung, prostate, and breast, account for half of the cases.
• Inequalities in mortality vary greatly, particularly in low-income countries and among less educated individuals.
• Improvements in risk factors like reduced smoking, but obesity remains an issue.
• Concerns over early detection with decreasing screening rates.

The profiles are compiled with the OECD under the European Cancer Inequalities Registry. Today, the European quality assurance scheme for breast cancer care was also launched, defining care quality standards.

On World Cancer Day, Commissioner Várhelyi will host his first Youth Policy Dialogue with young cancer survivors and professionals.

In the coming days, the Commission will present a review of Europes Cancer Plan, showing significant progress since its 2021 launch.