Europe faces major gaps in cancer screening, according to a new report released at the European Cancer Summit 2025 in Brussels. The analysis warns that many people across the EU still lack access to timely and well-organised cancer tests, despite recent progress supported by the EU.
Cancer remains a major threat in Europe. By age 75, an estimated 31% of men and 25% of women will be diagnosed with the disease. While new screening technologies offer earlier and more accurate detection, the report shows that too many citizens cannot benefit from these advances.
In recent years, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan has driven significant improvements. The EU has issued new screening recommendations, funded pilot programmes, and supported progress at political and technical levels. But the report stresses that these efforts are not enough on their own. Real progress now depends on individual member states.
The ECO Screening Index highlights wide differences in national policies. Scores vary from 26% in the lowest-ranked countries to 91% in the highest-ranked, showing deep inequalities in access and implementation.
The European Cancer Organisation (ECO), working with experts and partner groups over the past two years, has produced a detailed assessment titled Next Level for Cancer Screening: From Commitments to Continued Action for Early Cancer Detection. Launched at the Summit, the paper reviews where Europe has advanced and where gaps remain nearly five years into the Beating Cancer Plan.
The report identifies several key steps countries must take:
Use EU tools more effectively, including updated guidelines and quality-assurance systems.
Expand screening to new cancer types such as prostate, lung, and gastric cancers, where EU-supported pilot programmes are already underway.
Reduce social inequalities, as screening participation still differs widely by income, education, and geographic location. Rural communities and other underserved groups remain at higher risk of missing early tests.
Scale up innovative approaches, including mobile screening units, self-collection kits, and communication tailored to different cultural groups.
ECO urges all EU member states to accelerate their efforts and fully use the resources already available. The organisation also calls on EU institutions to continue supporting cancer screening and to monitor national progress regularly. ECO recommends publishing a screening implementation report every five years to ensure accountability.
Isabel Rubio, president-elect of ECO, stressed the need for stronger collaboration:
“To make cancer screening more efficient, equitable and sustainable, Europe must strengthen cooperation between experts and decision-makers. Permanent platforms for sharing best practices are essential so every citizen benefits from the best screening strategies.”
Luis Seijo, co-chair of the ECO Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network, warned that inequality is costing lives:
“When screening is not organised or accessible, early diagnosis becomes a privilege. Barriers such as travel distance or cost should not prevent people from receiving life-saving tests. We call on EU member states to address these barriers, run EU-wide awareness campaigns, and guarantee free access to screening and follow-up care.”
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