We’ve come too far to stop now
| Cancer remains one of the European Union’s most pressing public health challenges. Each year, 2.7 million people are diagnosed with it, 1.3 million die from it, and an estimated €49 billion in productivity is lost to it. |
| Annual healthcare spending on cancer care and control now reaches €93 billion across all 27 EU member states. These figures reflect the scale of cancer’s impact, not only on individuals and families, but also on health systems, economies, and society as a whole. World Cancer Day, on 4 February, provides an opportunity to take stock of the progress made in recent years, the challenges that remain, and the need to continue improving prevention, care, and quality of life for everyone affected by this disease. As the European Union discusses its next long-term budget, World Cancer Day also serves as a reminder that sustained investment in cancer prevention, research, and care is essential. Continued support through the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) will be critical to protect recent advances and to address persistent inequalities in cancer outcomes across Europe. Against this backdrop, the European Cancer Organisation and its member societies are marking World Cancer Day through a series of events in the days leading up to and following 4 February. |