Overview

In the WHO European region, the risk of developing cancer before age 75 is 27% and the risk of dying from cancer is 11.5%. This makes cancer the second most important cause of death and morbidity in the region. Important inequalities exist across countries, notably in term of the mortality-to-incidence ratio, reflecting differing health system capacities. Social, commercial and political determinants also play a crucial role. Therefore, implementing cancer control policies requires a horizontal health system approach. However, taking such a health system lens has historically been challenging across Europe as cancer policies are often shaped by: 1) very clinical therefore vertical views, and 2) vested interests as cancer represents a big commercial opportunity.