Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the EU and its burden continues to rise, with a projected 18% increase in annual cases by 2040. Yet gaps in screening participation, delays in diagnosis and treatment, and unnecessary variations in care practices lead to poorer survival and quality of life, and result in unnecessary treatment wasting precious healthcare resources. Drawing on cross-country comparable data and good practices, this brief examines three pressing priorities for high-value cancer care – timely access, evidence-based and efficient care, and people-centred approaches – to support policymakers in building more equitable cancer systems that reduce the burden on people, families and health services.
