Italy is seeing progress in the fight against cancer, according to the 2025 report by the Association of Medical Oncologists (Aiom). While new cancer diagnoses remain stable at around 390,000 cases in 2025, cancer-related deaths have fallen by 9% over the past decade.
Aiom’s new president, Massimo Di Maio, highlights the significance of this trend: “The drop in mortality reflects multiple factors—from effective prevention and early diagnosis to advances in treatment. While each factor matters differently depending on the type of cancer, overall, it shows that even with stable new cases, we are improving how we manage the disease.”
The European Commission recently confirmed a 1.7% drop in overall cancer cases across Europe, with Italy seeing an even sharper 2.6% decrease compared to 2022. Experts attribute this to a smaller population and a decline in lung cancer cases among men. Over the past decade, lung cancer deaths have fallen by 24% and colorectal cancer by 13%.
Prevention and Inequalities Remain Critical
Despite these improvements, prevention remains a major challenge. Health Minister Orazio Schillaci stresses the importance of addressing social inequalities and risky behaviors: “Differences in access to early diagnosis and persistent unhealthy habits are urgent issues that require coordinated action. Prevention is the strategic lever for reducing cancer risk, enabling early detection, and improving treatment outcomes.”
The National Cancer Plan 2023-2027 aims to tackle these challenges by strengthening prevention, integrating care pathways, supporting research, and expanding cancer screening programs. Plans include widening the age range for breast and colorectal cancer screenings, introducing lung cancer screenings within the National Health Service (SSN), and starting an active surveillance program for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.
Screening Gaps Between North and South
Screening participation has improved, but large regional gaps remain. In 2024, 16.2 million people were invited for screenings, and 6.5 million participated. Mammography coverage reached 50% nationwide, but varied widely: 62% in the North, 51% in the Centre, and only 34% in the South. Colorectal cancer screening coverage was 33%, with the North closest to the target at 46%, while the Centre and South lagged behind at 32% and 18%, respectively. Cervical cancer screenings were at 51% overall, ranging from 62% in the North to 37% in the South.
Di Maio stresses the need for public awareness: “Many people misunderstand the purpose of screening or mistakenly believe it is not free. Screening is an investment in individual and public health, and it must be promoted across the country.”
Healthcare Mobility and Regional Disparities
Access to care also differs by region. Patients from the South often travel outside their region for surgery, especially for breast cancer. While national mobility rates for cancer surgery have stayed around 8% since 2010, the South experiences three times higher “escape” rates than the North. Calabria, Basilicata, and Molise report the highest rates, with nearly half of surgeries performed outside their regions.
Lifestyle Risks Remain High
Tobacco use is higher among men (28%) than women (20%), and overweight affects 43% of Italian adults. Excess weight is particularly prevalent in the South, where regions such as Campania, Puglia, and Molise see nearly half of adults overweight. Encouragingly, physical inactivity has declined from 32% in 2020 to 27% in 2024. Reducing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles could lower cancer risks and improve treatment outcomes.
Maria Masocco from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità adds: “Social inequalities continue to influence exposure to risk factors and participation in screening. Access to early diagnosis and treatment remains unequal across the country.”
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