Delivering High Value Cancer Care is a 2026 OECD–European Commission report on improving the timeliness, efficiency, quality and fairness of cancer care across Europe.
Key insights:
The EU recorded around 2.7 million new cancer cases in 2024.
Cancer incidence is rising, particularly among women aged 15–49.
Cancer mortality declined by 18% among women and 26% among men since 2000.
Cancer spending reached EUR 120 billion in 2023 and could rise sharply by 2050.
Delays remain significant: 33% of lung cancers are diagnosed through emergency departments, while 44% of colorectal cancers are not treated within 30 days.
Cancer outcomes and treatment practices vary widely between countries, indicating unequal quality and possible over- or undertreatment.
Only one-third of cancer patients report highly people-centred care, while half do not have a care plan.
The report recommends integrated care pathways, stronger quality monitoring, efficient use of resources and greater attention to patients’ social, psychological and economic needs.
