To contribute to the prevention, early detection, and adequate treatment of cancer, the European Cancer Information System (ECIS) website launched on World Cancer Day allows experts and practitioners to explore geographical patterns and trends.
The ECIS was launched by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission’s in-house science and knowledge service, following World Cancer Day on 4 February.
The ECIS gathers data from around 150 European population-based cancer registries covering 25 EU member states and seven non-EU European countries, providing valuable information on how well national cancer programmes are actually working and on how to address shortcomings.
Tackling risk factors
Vytenis Andriukaitis, commissioner for health and food safety, highlighted: “Reliable data is an important aspect of the EU’s approach to cancer, along with tackling risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, pesticides and pollution, screening for diagnosis and treatment, research, and connecting expertise through the European reference networks and joint actions.”
Tibor Navracsics, commissioner for education, culture, youth and sports, responsible for the JRC, explained: “The European Cancer Information System is an excellent example of our support for decision makers and researchers across the EU and beyond.
“It allows for the assessment and monitoring of the disease across regions and countries, following trends over time and helping to gather information that could lead to a further decrease of cancer rates.”
What has the EU done for the fight against cancer?
The EU has been supporting research aiding the battle against cancer since 1985 through its research and innovation programmes.
These focus on the development of patient-oriented strategies to prevent, help, and cure people living with cancer.
Since 2007, €2.4bn-worth of EU research has been leading personalised medicine approaches and efforts to understand cancer biology, as well as better prevention, care solutions, and treatment.
