The Transformative Value of Cancer Medicines in Europe
Elisa Garau, Katarina Kitarovic, Adam Hutchings, Elena Nicod
September 2025
Cancer remains a major public health challenge in Europe. Action at EU level and advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment have lifted survival, with some patients living a decade or more even with advanced disease. Yet progress is uneven, and outcomes for several cancers remain poor. At the same time, the policy climate has grown tougher, with greater scrutiny of oncology spending, perceptions of modest clinical benefit, and access barriers that slow uptake.
This white paper examines the evolving cancer burden in Europe and highlights the transformative role of cancer medicines in improving outcomes, strengthening health systems, and benefiting society. The analysis takes a broader view beyond clinical impact, addressing effects on productivity, indirect costs, economic growth, and European resilience. The paper concludes that sustained commitment and coordinated policies are essential to unlock the full potential of innovation and guarantee equitable access to modern cancer care.
