Cancer Care Faces Rising Demand Across Europe

CANCER cases and care demand have increased substantially across European Union countries, with 2.7 million new cases estimated in 2024 and growing pressure on health systems. Since 2000, new cancer cases have risen by about 30% in both sexes, while the rate among young women increased by 16% over the past two decades. 

Rising Cancer Burden 

The increase among younger women was driven mainly by thyroid, breast, skin melanoma and colorectal cancers. The causes remain uncertain, although changing reproductive patterns, increased detection, early-life exposures and diet were identified as potential factors. 

The growing burden is also reflected in healthcare spending. Cancer-related expenditure doubled from EUR 54 billion in 1995 to EUR 120 billion in 2023, accounting for 6.9% of total health expenditure. Population ageing is expected to drive a further 59% increase in per-capita cancer spending in real terms by 2050. 

Cancer Care Remains Uneven 

Delays in diagnosis and treatment continue to affect outcomes. Between 15%–40% of patients with colorectal cancer were diagnosed through emergency departments, a pathway associated with poorer outcomes. Patients undergoing emergency colorectal cancer surgery were up to seven times more likely to die within 30 days than those undergoing planned surgery. 

Variation in clinical practice also raised concerns about the value of cancer care. Across EU countries, early-stage prostate cancer diagnoses among men aged 75 and older ranged from 53% to 81%. The proportion of partial mastectomies also varied considerably, from 79% in Spain to 50% or lower in Romania and Poland. 

Four in 10 new cancer medicines approved by the European Medicines Agency over the past 25 years were reported to have negative or unclear added therapeutic value compared with existing treatments. 

Prioritising Higher-Value Cancer Care 

The findings highlighted integrated cancer pathways, evidence-based standards, performance monitoring and more efficient resource use as priorities for improving cancer care. Risk-stratified screening, ambulatory treatment, treatment at home and technological innovation could support more efficient delivery. 

People-centred care was also identified as essential. Only one in three people living with cancer reported that their care was highly people centred. Improving care coordination, patient involvement and support for psychological, social and financial needs could help address the longer-term consequences of cancer. 

With cancer incidence and expenditure expected to increase, health systems face a growing need to ensure that cancer care delivers timely access, effective treatment and outcomes that reflect patients’ needs and preferences. 

Reference 

OECD/European Commission. Delivering High Value Cancer Care: European Cancer Inequalities Registry Analytical Report. 2026. OECD Publishing, Paris. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1787/060869fe-en. 

Featured Image: rarrarorro on Adobe Stock