6.C. Scientific session: From recommendations to reality – Reforming cancer screening programs in Europe

Abstract Cancer screening is a vital strategy in cancer control, significantly reducing cancer mortality through early detection and intervention. Despite the European Union's recommendations, many member states struggle to implement comprehensive and effective screening programs. The EUCanScreen Joint Action aims to bridge this gap, aligning with the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and the recent Council Recommendation to enhance cancer screening across Europe. The session consists of four presentations covering different aspects of cancer screening while leaving space for engaging with audience: 1. Introduction to cancer screening: balancing benefits with potential harms. 2. EUCanScreen - Assuring sustainable implementation of European cancer screening recommendations. 3. Resolving governance problems in screening. 4. Prostate cancer screening - ready for primetime? The overall goal of EUCanScreen is to reduce the burden of cancer in Europe through effective and sustainable cancer screening programs. Specific objectives include ensuring full implementation of screening programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers; preparing for the implementation of screening programs for lung, prostate, and gastric cancers; and ensuring proper program governance and sustainability. Additionally, the initiative focuses on data collection and monitoring, ensuring equal access to screening programs, capacity building, and promoting collaboration with related projects. The session will also delve into the governance framework necessary for effective cancer screening, which includes clear leadership, well-defined roles, and robust institutional coordination. Results from an European-wide survey on governance and sustainability of cancer screening programs across Europe will be presented, identifying key areas for improvement. Additionally, as one of the new recommended cancer sites to be screened, the session will examine the European Council's 2022 recommendations on prostate cancer screening, discussing the feasibility and effectiveness of organized programs. Current evidence from systematic reviews of PSA-based screening and emerging MRI-based screening trials will be analyzed, addressing the challenges of overdiagnosis and the need for solid empirical data. Participants will gain insights into the current challenges in cancer screening along with solutions developed within the EUCanScreen initiative to improve cancer screening programs, ensuring they are effective, sustainable, and equitable. The session aims to support the objectives of the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, providing sustainable results beyond the lifetime of the Joint Action. Key messages • Cancer screening programs recommended by the European Union are effective but need to be implemented more widely within European countries. • EuCanScreen Joint Action facilitates improvement of cancer screening programmes and implementation of European recommendations and guidelines.