The European Cancer Information System (ECIS), coordinated from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), has undergone a comprehensive update. The updated version includes the latest figures on cancer incidence and mortality in Europe. The updated ECIS web application now provides a more user-friendly platform for exploring geographical patterns and temporal trends in cancer data. This enables policy makers, researchers and the public to make more informed decisions in cancer prevention and care.
The update was created using data from more than 125 cancer registries in 32 countries, including the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NKR), managed by the Integral Cancer Center of the Netherlands (IKNL). ECIS shows how cancer rates evolve over time and differ between countries. For example, the latest data show a decrease in stomach cancer and clear sex differences in lung cancer incidence. Such insights are crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Standardized information
The last major update of ECIS was in 2018. Thanks to close collaboration within the European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR), the information is now more up-to-date and better standardized. Researchers, policy makers and healthcare professionals can use this to make more informed decisions about, for example, population screening, care design and financing.
The Netherlands plays an active role within ENCR. IKNL structurally provides data through the NKR and was closely involved in the development of data standards. Dr. Otto Visser, IKNL's representative within ENCR for many years, helped direct this process.
Urgency grows
The need for reliable cancer data is growing, partly due to an aging population and an increasing number of cancer diagnoses in Europe. At the same time, many cancer registries are under pressure due to staff shortages and budget cuts. According to IKNL, it is essential to keep investing in this.
Only with robust and up-to-date data, healthcare professionals and policy makers can respond to regional differences, care efficiency and the effectiveness of preventive measures. With this update, ECIS strengthens its role as a European knowledge platform for cancer data - an indispensable link in improving oncological care.
In September, the European Commission will launch a new Joint Action: Cancer Watch. This focuses on strengthening the quality, coverage and timeliness of cancer data in Europe. IKNL is a partner in Cancer Watch for the Netherlands.
