Nearly 30,000 excess cancer cases linked to inequalities across EU countries: Study

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) – The incidence of nearly 30,000 additional cases of lung and cervical cancer was estimated across EU countries in 2024 due to disparities in cancer incidence rates, with some countries seeing rates more than seven times higher than others, according to a study presented Monday.

The findings were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress in Madrid by Italian epidemiologist Diego Serraino, the ANSA news agency reported.

Based on European Cancer Information System estimates, the study identified 29,412 excess cases in countries where incidence exceeded the EU average.

For lung cancer among men, incidence ranged from 38 cases per 100,000 people in Sweden to 130 in Hungary, with 11,105 excess cases seen across 12 countries.

Among women, Denmark saw 83 lung cancer cases per 100,000 compared with 20 in Lithuania, contributing to 13,441 excess cases across 11 countries.

Cervical cancer showed even greater disparities, with Romania seeing 36 cases per 100,000 women compared with just five on the island nation of Malta.

Of the 4,866 excess cervical cancer cases identified across 10 countries, Romania accounted for 2,475.

Researchers emphasized stronger anti-smoking measures to reduce lung cancer risks, alongside human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and regular screening to prevent cervical cancer and detect precancerous lesions early.

Beyza Binnur Dönmez