EU Cancer Cases Rise Despite Increased Healthcare Spending

Cancer cases are increasing in the EU due to an aging population, lifestyle-related risk factors, and improved diagnostic practices. In 2024, there were 2.7 million new cancer diagnoses in the 27 member states, according to an OECD report.

Since 2000, new cancer cases have increased by approximately 30% for both men and women, with projections of half a million new cases by 2040. The incidence of cancer among young women is increasing particularly rapidly.

Half of the estimated cancer rates involve breast, colorectal, and lung cancer, depending on gender. In Greece, cancer was the second leading cause of death in 2023, with 30,095 deaths, according to ELSTAT.

The rate of new cancer cases has increased by 16% in the last two decades, due to increased detection of thyroid cancer, genetic changes for breast cancer, and early-age exposure for colorectal cancer. The increase in breast cancer was mainly observed in Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Sweden.

European countries have increased spending to combat cancer. Health expenditures related to cancer in the EU have doubled since 1995, reaching 6.9% of total health expenditure in 2023. However, by 2050, the increase in cancer cases is expected to lead to a 59% increase in per capita spending.

Cancer screening programs improve early diagnosis and lead to higher survival rates, but their implementation remains uneven. Men and women with low levels of education face higher cancer mortality rates.