Global Breast Cancer Survival Estimates

IARC, WHO and partner institutions published the first country-comparable WHO Global Breast Cancer Survival Estimates on 8 July 2026. The study calculated age-standardised five-year net survival for women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2017 and 2021 in all 194 WHO Member States.

Regional Differences

It found striking regional differences, with average survival estimated at 39.1 percent in the WHO African Region and 88.5 percent in the Region of the Americas. The estimates establish a global benchmark for the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative and its 60-60-80 targets. These targets call for at least 60 percent of invasive breast cancers to be diagnosed at stage I or II, diagnostic evaluation to be completed within 60 days and at least 80 percent of patients to receive recommended multimodality treatment without abandonment.

Survival Improvements

Although the publication is not a screening recommendation, it is highly relevant to breast screening and early-detection policy because survival improvements depend on finding disease earlier and connecting women rapidly to accurate diagnosis and effective care. The results also show that detection alone is insufficient when pathology, surgery, radiotherapy, systemic treatment or follow-up services are unavailable. Comparable survival estimates can help countries identify weaknesses across the care pathway and measure progress over time. In countries with limited registry information, the study also highlights the need to improve population-based cancer surveillance. The publication provides an important international reference for addressing unequal breast cancer outcomes.

Direct link:
https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/global-breast-cancer-survival-estimates-in-2017-2021-to-advance-the-who-global-breast-cancer-initiative/

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

The European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

Mimosa Day is marked in Croatia every year in January during the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, with the aim of raising awareness about cervical cancer and highlighting the importance of prevention, early detection, and timely treatment.

HPV Vaccination

This day serves as a reminder that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be largely prevented through HPV vaccination, regular screening, and responsible care for personal health.

Awareness

In Croatia, nearly 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and around 100 women lose their lives to the disease. Although effective prevention methods are available, cervical cancer continues to affect many women, including younger women.

Mimosa Day reminds us that awareness, prevention, and timely action can save lives. By encouraging vaccination, regular check-ups, and conversations about women’s health, we can help reduce the impact of cervical cancer in Croatia.

EC-CvC

IARC hosted the final meeting of the first phase of the European Commission Initiative on Cervical Cancer and reported the outcome on 17 July 2026.

HPV DNA Testing

More than 20 experts reviewed evidence and advanced work on European guidelines and a quality assurance scheme for cervical cancer screening, diagnosis and care. The topics considered included HPV DNA and messenger RNA testing, self-sampling, appropriate ages for starting and stopping screening, screening intervals, risk-based triage and strategies for inviting eligible people. These questions are central to effective population programmes because the benefits of HPV-based screening depend on validated tests, clear follow-up pathways and systems that reach individuals who may not attend conventional services. Self-sampling may improve participation, but it also requires reliable laboratory procedures, communication and referral arrangements. The initiative combines clinical recommendations with a quality assurance framework so that countries can monitor whether services are being delivered consistently and safely.

First Phase

The first phase established the scientific and methodological foundation, while subsequent work is expected to complete and expand the guidance and quality requirements. This supports Europe’s broader objective of reducing cervical cancer incidence and inequalities through vaccination, organised screening and timely treatment of precancerous lesions. IARC’s involvement brings international expertise in cancer prevention and evidence evaluation, while the European Commission framework supports implementation across Member States. The meeting therefore represents a concrete step toward more harmonised, accessible and quality-assured cervical cancer prevention in Europe.

Direct link:
https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-hosts-final-meeting-of-first-phase-of-ec-cvc/

One of the Highest Smoking Rates in the EU

Croatia faces a major lung cancer burden, with more than 3,000 new cases and a similar number of deaths each year, alongside one of the highest smoking rates in the EU.

The First National Lung Cancer Screening Program in the EU

In response, the Croatian National Lung Cancer Screening program was launched in 2020 as a nationwide initiative aimed at early detection of lung cancer and reducing disease-related mortality, as the first national lung cancer screening program in the EU.

LDCT

The programme uses low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to identify small, operable lung tumours before symptoms develop, when treatment is most effective and the chances of successful recovery are significantly higher. Because nearly 90% of lung cancer cases occur in current or former smokers, the programme is intended for high-risk individuals aged 50–75 years who are current smokers or who quit smoking within the past 15 years and have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years. The screening program is completely digitalized and utilises general practitioners for enrolling participants. Since the start of the program in October 2020, more than 67,000 Croatian citizens have been screened, resulting in over 100,000 LDCT scans.

JRC and ENCR study

The European Network of Cancer Registries highlighted a new JRC and ENCR study examining the availability of stage-at-diagnosis information in population-based cancer registries contributing to the European Cancer Information System.

Six Major Cancer Sites

The analysis covers six major cancer sites: breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric, lung and prostate cancer. These cancers were selected because of their importance to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the need to monitor screening, early diagnosis, treatment and outcomes more consistently. Stage at diagnosis is one of the most informative variables in cancer surveillance because it indicates how advanced a tumour is when it is identified and strongly influences treatment choices and survival.

Classification Systems

However, differences in classification systems, data sources, completeness and registry practices can limit meaningful comparisons across countries. The publication provides the first comprehensive Europe-wide overview of how stage information is currently collected and used by participating registries. It documents substantial progress while identifying continuing gaps and heterogeneity.

A Baseline for Future Work

The findings create a baseline for future work on harmonisation, quality assurance and completeness. Better stage data could help policymakers assess whether organised screening and early-detection programmes are reaching their intended populations, identify inequalities in timely diagnosis and interpret survival differences more accurately. The study was coordinated through collaboration among JRC, ENCR registries and CancerWatch partners. Its practical importance lies in showing where European cancer information systems are strong and where investment in standards, training and data infrastructure remains necessary.

Direct link:
https://encr.eu/news/jrc-encr-publication-stage-data-availability-european-cancer-registries

Organized Population-based Screening

National Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programme in Croatia was launched to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer through organized population-based screening. The programme aims to detect precancerous lesions and early-stage cancer before symptoms appear, enabling timely treatment and significantly improving health outcomes. It also seeks to increase participation in preventive examinations and strengthen public awareness of cervical cancer prevention.

A Pilot Phase

Originally introduced in 2012 for women aged 25–64, the programme was reorganized in 2019 to improve screening effectiveness and participation rates. Since 2023, a pilot phase of the reorganized programme has been underway in one of Croatia’s counties. The new approach uses Pap testing for women aged 20–29 and combined Pap and HPV testing for women aged 30–64, with the goal of developing an updated national screening model.

HPV Vaccination

In addition to screening, HPV vaccination has been available in Croatia since 2007 and has been included in the national immunization programme for school children since 2016. Together, vaccination and screening form the foundation of cervical cancer prevention, helping to detect precancerous changes early and further reduce the burden of the disease.

A Pilot Initiative

Croatia’s Special Programme for Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection is a pilot initiative designed to assess the feasibility of introducing a nationwide organised prostate cancer screening programme. Developed in line with the 2022 Council of the European Union recommendations on cancer screening, the programme aims to improve early detection of prostate cancer, reduce mortality, and identify cancers at a stage when treatment is most effective.

PSA Test

The programme targets men aged 55–69 who have not previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer and have not undergone a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test within the previous year. Participants are invited by their general practitioners to receive a free PSA test and, where indicated, additional diagnostic examinations at no cost.

A Future National Screening Programme

Implemented in the City of Zagreb, the programme evaluates participation rates, effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and organisational requirements for a future national screening programme. The pilot aims to screen 10,000 men and generate evidence to support the development of an organised, population-based approach to prostate cancer early detection in Croatia.

March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Croatia

In February 2022, the Croatian Parliament officially declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Croatia, emphasizing the importance of prevention, early detection, and public education about one of the most common cancers worldwide.

In Croatia, colorectal cancer accounts for approximately 14% of all cancer diagnoses and remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Precancerous Lesions

Early detection through screening significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates, while the removal of precancerous lesions can prevent the disease from developing altogether.

Blue Iris Day

Blue Iris Day is also one of Croatia’s key colorectal cancer awareness initiatives. Through public health campaigns and educational activities, it promotes colorectal cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of regular screening. The campaign also raises awareness of Croatia’s National Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Programme and encourages people to take proactive steps to protect their health, as colorectal cancer is one of the most common yet highly preventable cancers.

Reducing the Incidence and Mortality

Croatia’s National Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Programme is a population-based screening programme aimed at reducing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer through early detection and treatment.

A Stool Test That Detects Hidden Blood

Every two years, all women and men aged 50–74 are invited by mail to complete a stool test that detects hidden blood, which may be an early sign of colorectal cancer or precancerous changes.

The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

A pilot project introducing a more sensitive screening method, the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), has already been launched in Zagreb and is expected to be expanded to other parts of the country.

High-Quality Endoscopic and Pathological Diagnostics

Individuals with a positive test result are referred for a screening colonoscopy within the programme, ensuring access to high-quality endoscopic and pathological diagnostics. This allows for the detection and removal of precancerous lesions as well as the identification of cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Croatia, but it is also one of the most preventable. Regular participation in screening can significantly reduce the risk of developing advanced disease and improve survival outcomes through early diagnosis and treatment.