European health studies highlight cancer disparities and new diabetes treatment

A study presented at the ESMO 2026 congress reveals significant disparities in cancer incidence across Europe. Based on 2024 estimates from the European Cancer Information System, the research shows that a person's country of residence heavily influences cancer risk. For instance, cervical cancer incidence in Romania is over seven times higher than in Malta, while lung cancer rates among women in Denmark are more than four times those in Lithuania. In 2024, EU countries with rates above the community average accounted for an estimated 29,412 excess cases.

In pharmaceutical developments, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has given approval for IcoSema, the first combination of weekly basal insulin icodec and weekly semaglutide. This single formulation aims to improve glycemic control and simplify treatment regimens for type 2 diabetes patients by combining two complementary mechanisms of action.

Additionally, research from Italy's National Institute of Health (ISS) warns that rapid urine tests for fentanyl may produce false positives due to cross-reactivity. The study found that certain psychiatric medications, specifically risperidone, can interfere with test results at therapeutic concentrations, meaning a positive rapid test should not be viewed as definitive proof of fentanyl use.