Cancer represents a significant portion of the disease burden in Europe, much of which is preventable. The EUCanScreen project is designed to address this challenge by supporting strategies and policies that aim to reduce the burden of cancer, focusing on both personal and societal risk factors.

Launched under the EU4Health Program, EUCanScreen brings together public health authorities, research institutions and stakeholders from EU Member States and associated countries. The Coordination center for cancer screenings at Heilsugæsla höfuðborgarsvæðisins is a participant in the program.

The Joint Action aims to support the effective implementation of evidence-based, organized population screening programs for cancer, in line with European recommendations and the objectives of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

During its first year, EUCanScreen focused on:

• Establishing strong governance and coordination structures at European and national levels.

• Mapping existing cancer screening policies, programs and capacities across participating countries.

• Developing common methodological frameworks, tools and indicators to support quality, equity and effectiveness in screening.

• Strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange among national screening authorities, stakeholders, experts and other European projects.

• Cancer screening risk-based approaches were established.

• Substantial progress in strengthening human capacity, training infrastructure, and professional competence across multiple cancer screening domains in Europe has been delivered.

• Work across multiple tasks addressing barriers to cancer screening was progressed with multiple training activities.

As EUCanScreen has entered its second year, the Joint Action will build on these foundations to further support countries in improving coverage, quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation of cancer screening programs, with a strong focus on reducing inequalities and improving population health outcomes.

EUCanScreen reaffirms its commitment to supporting Member States in delivering high-quality, accessible and sustainable cancer screening for all citizens.