European Region (EUR)

Despite attempts in Europe to tackle the impact of alcohol on health, the amount of alcohol consumed by EU countries is higher than the rest of the world and the incidence of many alcohol related digestive cancers is on the increase. It is, therefore, time for a change. We urgently require a focused multi-dimensional approach from policy and decision makers at both European and national levels to dramatically increase public and healthcare professional awareness of the dangers of alcohol, as well as to implement further strategies across the region to reduce alcohol intake and the resulting incidence of digestive cancers.

The present policy paper is a deliverable of the CanCon Joint Action Member State Platform Work Package. In this framework, an Expert Group on National Cancer Control Programmes was established with the task to carry out and analyse a survey regarding NCCPs in Europe in 2016 and to prepare a report and policy paper. The survey report identified the main shortcomings regarding NCCPs in Europe. Standards from the previously published European Guide for Quality National Cancer Control Programmes were used to identify these shortcomings. This policy paper and its recommendations are meant to serve as an aid for policymakers who wish to improve their cancer control policies.