Addressing Cancer Care Disparities in Europe: Insights from the 2025 Comparator Report

The “Comparator Report on Cancer in Europe 2025” analyzes the landscape of cancer care across Europe. It highlights cancer care disparities persisting in different European regions and cancer types. While advances in treatment exist, many patients still struggle to access timely and effective care. Molecular diagnostics are also key for precision oncology but vary in access. Lower-income regions lack complex assays, worsening disparities in care quality.

Cancer is the world’s second-leading cause of death, with nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. The OECD’s “Health at a Glance 2023” stresses the need for better prevention and care strategies in Europe.

Rising Incidence and Reimbursement Speed

Cancer incidence in Europe rose by 58% from 1995 to 2022, reaching 3.2 million new cases yearly. Mortality rates have stabilized at 1.3-1.4 million deaths since 2008, reflecting complex factors influencing outcomes. Direct cancer treatment costs doubled from €62 billion in 1995 to €146 billion in 2023. Medicine costs now exceed 40% of total expenses, worsening access for disadvantaged groups.

Wealthier Western European countries quickly reimburse EMA-approved drugs. Meanwhile, Central and Eastern Europe face delays and restricted coverage. These cancer care disparities demand equitable policies to bridge gaps.

Implications for Health Economics and Market Access

Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) can improve cancer care access. It provides evidence to optimize resource allocation and cost-effectiveness. Frameworks like the ISPOR Value Flower could integrate societal impacts into HTA. Performance-based MEAs and multi-speed HTA processes may prioritize promising drugs while monitoring uncertain ones.

More public funding is needed for treatment optimization studies and data infrastructure. Evolving HTA methodologies should adopt a societal perspective to ensure fair access to innovative treatments.

These findings highlight the urgency of addressing cancer care disparities. HEOR can enhance equity and efficiency in healthcare. For deeper insights, explore the full report.