Knowledge Centre on Cancer: Tackling Cancer and other Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

The European Cancer Information System (ECIS) website has been revamped with new data and a fresh interface, providing a powerful tool for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to inform cancer control strategies. The platform offers insights into the latest geographical and temporal trends in cancer incidence and mortality across Europe, enabling comparisons between countries and regions.

Childhood pre-obesity and obesity are complex issues influenced by a range of factors, including biological, environmental, and socioeconomic elements. These conditions can significantly impact a child’s health and quality of life, both now and in the future. What role can policies play in addressing these contributing factors? Find out in the latest brief from the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway.

The European breast cancer guidelines provide evidence-based, up-to-date recommendations for breast cancer screening and diagnosis, accompanied by a quality assurance scheme for breast cancer services and aim to ensure equitable breast cancer services in Europe.
However, did you know these can be adapted to other settings, also outside Europe? Recently the guidelines have been adapted to the Chinese context by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, with 230,000 members nationally in 31 provinces and cities across China.
The JRC has previously contributed to the adaption of the guidelines to the Italian and Tunisian context.
Get in touch with us at: JRC-CANCER-POLICY-SUPPORT@ec.europa.eu to find out more.

The European Cancer Inequalities Registry (ECIR) has just published 8 new indicators and a new topic in its Data Tool: Regional disparities in cancer mortality within countries for seven cancer sites and for all cancers combined. With the publication of these indicators, ECIR meets its objective: to highlight disparities, gaps and inequalities not only between countries, but also within countries (EU27, Iceland and Norway). 
The European Commission is committed to reducing regional disparities in cancer mortality across EU Member States, for example, by improving patient access to cancer prevention and care for those living in remote and rural areas, for instance through the Joint Actions EUnetCCC and eCan.

The landscape of cancer treatment is rapidly evolving, with an increasing number of personalised therapies targeting specific molecular structures on cancer cells or genetic mutations. However, the current approach to classifying anti-cancer drugs and designing clinical trials is largely based on the organ of origin, which can limit patient access to effective treatments.

The report highlights that examining dietary and lifestyle patterns (DLPs) as a whole, rather than individual foods or habits, offers better insight into reducing cancer risk. An independent expert panel reviewed global evidence linking DLPs to breast and colorectal cancer, leading to a new recommendation for a cancer-preventive DLP.

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has released a new certified reference material (CRM) for the enzyme aspartate transaminase (AST). Elevated levels of AST in blood tests are associated with several liver disorders, (including hepatitis, fatty liver disease and liver cancer) which are a significant public health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are critical for effective treatment and improving patient outcomes. By providing a CRM for AST, the JRC is helping to improve the accuracy and reliability of liver disease diagnosis, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

A new WHO/Europe paper identifies 25 proven, cost-effective interventions to accelerate health progress. Published in Lancet Regional Health – Europe, the paper highlights "quick buys" that can deliver public health impact within five years. It emphasizes comprehensive approaches to chronic diseases while acknowledging the challenges faced by health ministries. The findings guide policy-makers in aligning interventions with short-term political cycles, supporting progress toward the 2030 NCD mortality reduction target.