Yesterday, in the run-up to World Cancer Day on Tuesday 4 February, the European Commission published the latest EU Country Cancer Profiles (https://aeur.eu/f/fbt ): these illustrate that cancer survival rates are increasing across the whole of the EU.
Most EU countries have drawn up national cancer plans in line with the recommendations of ‘Europe's Beating Cancer Plan’.
The profiles highlight several facts: - survival rates have improved, with cancer mortality falling by 12%; - the prevalence of cancer has risen by 24%; - half of all cancer cases are one of four types (colorectal, lung, prostate and breast); - breast cancer is responsible for almost one in three new cases of cancer in women, while prostate cancer accounts for almost one in four new cases in men.
Mortality rates vary considerably from country to country, with rates remaining highest in low-income countries, among people with low levels of education, and among men.
Being overweight or obese remains a challenge that continues to grow, with more than half of all adults in the EU being overweight. Finally, the European Commission noted that one in two EU countries has seen a drop in usage levels of breast cancer screening, while two out of three countries have seen a decrease in cervical cancer screening. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)