Cancer Burden and Services Accessibility across Europe: A Comparative Analysis Based on 2023 European Social Survey Data (ESS 11). Chege Michael (2026). Data-Driven Cancer Research Conference 2026. 

 

Examining variations in cancer prevalence and access to care across countries in Europe is essential for understanding structural inequities and guiding evidence-based policy responses. The primary objective of this study was to conduct a cross-national comparison of cancer burden and healthcare accessibility across Europe. Specifically, the study aimed to assess variations in self-reported cancer prevalence across European countries, examine differences in years lived without cancer among individuals with a previous diagnosis and evaluate inequalities in access to medical consultation or treatment among people with current or previous cancer. The study indicated that there is a pronounced and persistent disparities in cancer burden and lack of access to healthcare among current or previous cancer patients across Europe. While some countries report relatively low cancer prevalence and strong access to care among cancer patients, others face a dual challenge of higher cancer prevalence and limited access to care among cancer patients. We recommend promotion of cross-border collaboration, shared best practices, and coordinated European cancer control strategies and further research to identify the cause of pronounced and persistent disparities in cancer prevalence and access to care among cancer patients across Europe.