Europe Faces Rising Cancer Cases and Unequal Screening Access

A European Union and OECD report estimates more than 2.7 million new cancer cases in the EU in 2024—about one diagnosis every 12 seconds—and projects up to 3.2 million annually by 2040. The analysis highlights stark disparities in preventive screening: mammography participation ranges from 83 % in Denmark and Sweden to just 15 % in Greece, while colorectal‑cancer screening varies from 74 % in Finland to 9 % in Hungary. The report also notes uneven treatment approaches across member states.

In Italy, the Fondazione GIMBE cites that over 7.6 million citizens missed free screening invitations in 2024, with only 6.5 million of the 14.1 million invited actually screened. This shortfall is estimated to have delayed more than 50 000 early‑stage cancer diagnoses. Regional participation varies widely—mammography coverage is 74 % in Trentino but only 15 % in Calabria. The new National Prevention Plan aims to raise overall screening coverage to 70 % by 2027 and 90 % by 2029, stressing improved communication and incentives.