Developing an Evidence-Based Primary Cancer Prevention Repository: insights from the PIECES project

Abstract Introduction Up to 40% of cancer cases could be avoided through effective primary prevention. However, cancer prevention tends to be fragmented across Europe, leading to geographical health differences. The dissemination and scale-up of effective primary cancer prevention interventions may address this. Although effective cancer prevention programs exist, finding them and their materials (especially regarding implementation) can be challenging. Repositories of evidence-based interventions provide insight into “what is out there” and can support dissemination within and across national borders. The PIECES project aims to develop and disseminate a repository of evidence-based primary cancer prevention programs adaptable to European contexts, with information to aid adaptation and implementation across countries. Methods The development of the PIECES repository has been informed by established repositories such as NCI’s Evidence-Based Cancer Control Programs. The project team developed a scoring sheet with a selection of items that could be included in the repository. All participants rated each item on relevance and applicability and provided comments and suggestions. A final framework, including a set of minimal requirement items, was agreed upon during three online consensus building meetings. Results We created a repository of evidence-based primary cancer prevention interventions targeting modifiable risk factors suitable for implementation in European healthcare settings. This 22-item repository provides information about an intervention’s logic model, implementation practices, and appraisal of published evidence of effectiveness. Conclusions This repository is innovative as it includes practical information and tools to facilitate implementation. While initially built to serve the PIECES project, the repository is designed to be a valuable tool for European policymakers, researchers, and implementers. Lessons learned from this process will inform future developers. Key messages • A comprehensive cancer prevention intervention repository avoids “reinventing the wheel” and allows for more efficient use of existing interventions by building upon the best available evidence. • The ongoing efforts of the PIECES project represent a significant contribution to reduce cancer prevention disparities and to facilitate the adoption of evidence-based interventions in Europe.