European Network of Cancer Registries

The European Network of Cancer Registries announced new long-term estimates of cancer incidence and mortality for the EU-27 and EFTA countries, extending projections to 2050.

The European Cancer Information System

The estimates are available through the European Cancer Information System and build on the 2024 ECIS incidence and mortality figures together with alternative Eurostat population projections. The updated Data Explorer allows users to examine expected trajectories by country, sex and cancer site, with clearer visualisations and downloadable underlying data.

The Purpose

The purpose is not to predict future cancer rates with certainty, but to illustrate how demographic change, particularly population ageing, may affect the absolute number of diagnoses and deaths if current incidence and mortality levels are applied to future populations. This distinction is important because prevention policies, screening uptake, treatment advances and changes in risk factors may alter actual future trends. The resource gives policymakers and health planners a consistent way to explore potential demand for diagnostic services, treatment capacity, survivorship care and specialist staff. It can also help cancer registries and researchers compare demographic scenarios and communicate the scale of future system pressures.

Collaboration

The estimates were produced collaboratively by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, IARC, ENCR and the International Association of Cancer Registries. As a digital planning tool, the updated ECIS section strengthens Europe’s capacity to use harmonised cancer data for long-term strategy, resource allocation and monitoring.

Direct link:
https://encr.eu/news/new-long-term-cancer-incidence-and-mortality-estimates-2050-now-available-ecis