The global cost of cancer is projected to reach a staggering $25 trillion (USD) by 2050. Implementing proper screening procedures and detecting cancer early is crucial for enhancing treatment and boosting survival.
Significant strides have been made in implementing screening programmes for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers across Europe. Updates in 2022 set even more ambitious targets, expanding these efforts to include six cancer types: breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric, lung, and prostate. Nevertheless, it is essential that these programmes uphold the highest levels of professional standards and quality assurance, and that they are implemented in a coordinated, nationwide manner.
With the collaboration of screening experts and healthcare professionals, we have collected and analysed their experiences and input, through both our survey and the ECO country visits.
We are pleased to present some of the preliminary results, which include key recommendations on the six types of screening. In this respect, we are in the process of gathering further data and liaising with experts, member societies and the cancer community, to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations for 2025 which will include:
The Cancer Screening Best Practices Survey focused on bringing testimonies from leading national experts who develop and implement cancer screening policies to better understand and document what best practices can be learned. In particular, we have reached out to healthcare professionals to collect their testimonies.
You will see below the feedback we have received, summarised by tumour type. Some feedback (such as the method of communication on screening appointments) is repeated where experts mentioned this as a priority for that type of cancer, based on their experience.
While digital methods are increasingly effective, the traditional post remains important for those without access to technology. Therefore, experts suggest simultaneously sending screening invitations through SMS, phone calls, and email to improve accessibility and participation.
Encourage GPs and gynaecologists to discuss the importance of regular breast cancer screening with their patients during routine visits and emphasise the need for consistent participation rather than ad hoc exams.
Collaborate with patient advocacy groups and maximise media exposure to promote breast cancer screening, establishing a consistent year-round strategy. Special outreach should target self-referral options for women over 70, and address geographic barriers through mobile mammography units.
Engage younger generations by promoting breast cancer awareness in schools, inspiring students to advocate for screening within their families and encouraging their mothers and grandmothers to participate.
Develop resources to help women understand the screening process and potential outcomes, to minimise anxiety and improve clear communication, including what to expect after a positive result. Reducing uncertainty may lessen the reluctance to participate in future screenings.
Implement electronic data tools and standardised reporting forms, to ensure uniformity in screening results and;
Offer comprehensive training for healthcare professionals on AI applications in mammogram analysis.
Incorporate genetic testing for more individuals with familial pre-dispositions, enabling personalised screening strategies based on genetic risk factors.
Implement a nationally-funded colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme to encourage early detection, as the most cost-effective measures to prevent late-stage treatment.
Use a multi-channel, personalised invitation strategy, including by email, SMS, and traditional post, to effectively reach patients. This ensures they receive timely information and reminders, increasing engagement and awareness about CRC screening.
Conduct public awareness campaigns that de-mystify the screening process, especially colonoscopies, to reduce fear and stigma.
Expand access to screening through mobile units in rural and underserved areas, working with local GPs to reach geographically isolated populations.
Implement the use of follow-up testing to confirm results when a screening gives a positive result, especially in tests prone to false positives. This cross-referencing approach minimises unnecessary anxiety and improves the accuracy of diagnoses.
Promote HPV vaccinations for both girls and boys proactively reduce the risk of HPV infection, the primary cause of cervical cancer and many other cancers including vaginal, vulval, penile, anal and head & neck cancers. As less than 25% of boys and girls in Europe are vaccinated, ensuring early vaccination across genders can significantly lower future cervical cancer cases.
Implement personalised appointment reminders via SMS, phone calls and traditional mail to foster a sense of individual invitation, build trust and encourage higher participation rates in cervical cancer screenings
Prioritise accessibility and convenience in screening locations and scheduling to remove barriers to participation. Accessible screening options improve overall attendance and outcomes in cervical cancer prevention.
Focus on HPV testing as the primary screening method, as it is widely preferred by healthcare providers. Educate women on available testing options to build understanding and trust, particularly in communities where alternative methods, like self-sampling, may face scepticism.
Incorporate evidence-based cervical cancer screening strategies from other successful programmes globally to refine local practices. Tailoring proven approaches to local needs can improve effectiveness and trust in screening programmes.
Identify and address barriers to participation in lung cancer screening programmes for at-risk populations. This may involve increasing outreach efforts and reducing logistical or economic obstacles to ensure more equitable access to screening.
Enhance public awareness campaigns about lung cancer screening, with a focus on educating both the public and healthcare providers. This can help ensure individuals at high risk are informed about the availability and benefits of screening programmes.
Develop comprehensive lung cancer screening programmes, especially in regions or for conditions currently lacking these services. Initiating these programmes can support earlier detection and treatment for at-risk populations.
Support the effective rollout of new lung cancer screening initiatives, as many programmes are still in their early stages. Providing sufficient resources and clear guidelines can help ensure successful implementation and long-term sustainability.
Develop a structured, nationwide prostate cancer screening programme to ensure consistent and equitable access to early detection services to provide clearer guidelines and improve early diagnosis across the country.
Bridge the gap between available expertise and screening implementation by using the high level of prostate cancer knowledge in healthcare. This can involve creating evidence-based protocols and guidelines to establish a comprehensive national screening approach.
Move from opportunistic to organised screening by transitioning from reliance on PSA testing alone to a more systematic approach. This can include stratifying risk factors to better identify those most likely to benefit from screening.
Ensure equitable access to screening and early detection services by developing strategies that make screening available to all eligible men, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic status.
Educate the public on prostate cancer risks and screening options to encourage informed decision-making. Public awareness efforts can help men understand the benefits and limitations of screening and motivate participation.
With respect to gastric screening, we are in the process of collecting further information and liaising with experts to implement the recommendations and feedback collected. Gastric screening was recently included in the EU Council Recommendations. However, as of 2024 no organised gastric cancer screening programme has been launched in Europe.
A final report of best practices in cancer screenings in Europe will be published soon. If you would like to contribute to the campaign and share your stories and expertise contact screening@europeancancer.org
