Overview

EUCanScreen WP4 focuses on enhancing the sustainable implementation of organised, population-based cancer screening programmes in Europe. It develops practical tools, governance models, and networks that support long-term, sustainable screening across Europe. Ireland, in partnership with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), contributes to the following activities:

Consolidated Barrier Assessment Tool

WP4 has created a single, consolidated tool to find and address systemic barriers to cancer screening. It supports a continuous improvement cycle—from identifying problems to applying targeted solutions—and combines the best features of existing approaches into one practical resource. The tool is being pilot-tested in WP6 (Barriers/Facilitators) to ensure it is reliable, easy to use, and ready for real-world application.

Governmental Advisory Board

WP4 has established the Governmental Advisory Board, a network that supports sustainable implementation of organised, population-based cancer screening programmes across Europe. The Director of IARC is a member, reinforcing the board’s commitment to international collaboration.

Target-Support Mechanism (TSM)

WP4 also runs the Target-Support Mechanism, a structured platform where countries share knowledge, discuss challenges, and provide feedback on WP4 tools. In TSM, Supporting Countries share successful practices and lessons learned from their own cancer screening programmes, and Target Countries adapt these insights to strengthen specific aspects of their programmes. Ireland is one of the Supporting Countries and will contribute its experience and lessons learned to help others improve.

Governance Models

WP4 will develop guidance to strengthen the governance of cancer screening programmes by building on prior work—such as the CanCon Joint Action—and by tailoring to the varied contexts across Europe.

Why It Matters

WP4 strives to turn evidence and lived experience into action. Through shared learning and co-created tools, countries can improve screening quality and sustainability and save more lives across Europe.