The impact of key determinants on the current and future burden of cancer in Europe

Objective

Up to 40% of people ever get cancer in Europe and at middle age 40% of the deaths are due to cancer. Since up to 40% of cancers may also be preventable primary prevention remains essential. Entry-points for preventive interventions were identified based on known risk factors for cancer, partly overlapping with other chronic diseases. Yet, with the exception of hygienic and occupational measures and discouraging smoking, primary prevention was not very successful, especially in lower SES-groups, and avoidable exposure to risk factors demands more attention. This project aims to underpin national and European policies to prevent cancer by providing estimates of the potential impact of interventions on determinants of cancer incidence on the future burden of cancer in Europe. Specifically, we aim to: - Estimate the prevalence and quantitative impact of major lifestyle (smoking, excessive alcohol use, fruit and vegetable consumption, overweight and physical activity) and socio-economic determinants on cancer incidence, concerning cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, lung, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, colo-rectum, bladder, kidney, breast, endometrium and prostate, comprising 60% of the incidence. - Assess the potential to reduce exposure to these determinants by reviewing evidence of effectiveness of interventions and policies as well as barriers to implementation. - Estimate the future burden of cancer across Europe based on autonomous trends and various scenarios of implementation of effective interventions.This coordination action will generate intensive interaction with national and international researchers and policy-makers, who will provide input to scenario development and reflect on its outcome so that ambitious policies can be rolled out. A special website will be designed allowing for interactive development of scenarios and enabling member states to adapt to their needs and circumstances.

Fields of science

• humanitieshistory and archaeologyhistorymedieval history
• agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturefruit growing
• medical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncology
• agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturevegetable growing
• natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryalcohols

Keywords

• Epidemiology
• Epidemiology Public Health Socio-economic differences Prediction Modelling Scenario development
• Modelling
• Prediction
• Prediction Modelling
• Public Health
• Scenario development
• Socio-economic differences

Programme(s)

• FP6-POLICIES - Policy support: Specific activities covering wider field of research under the Focusing and Integrating Community Research programme 2002-2006.

Topic(s)

• POLICIES-2.1 - Health determinants and the provision of high quality and sustainable health care services and pension systems

Call for proposal

FP6-2003-SSP-3
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (11)