The German Cancer Society in Europe

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the European Union, following cardiovascular diseases - more than 20 percent of deaths in 2021 were attributable to oncological indications. Cancer thus represents one of the biggest health policy challenges in Europe. Against the backdrop of growing challenges and, at the same time, increasing opportunities arising from scientific and technological progress in oncology, the EU has taken up the issue and, among other initiatives, launched the European Cancer Plan. The German Cancer Society supports the objectives of the European Cancer Plan and is committed to ensuring that people across Europe have access to high-quality cancer care.

Stronger Together in Europe and Internationally

To achieve this goal, the German Cancer Society collaborates closely with European partners, the European Commission, and the EU Member States within the framework of numerous projects.

In addition, we are actively involved in the European Cancer League (ECL), the European cancer association based in Brussels. Since November 2015, the German Cancer Society has been representing the Germany within the ECL.

The German Cancer Society is also active internationally. We represent Germany in international organisations, for example as a member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), based in Geneva.

European Cancer Centres - Improving Cancer Care Across Europe

A key element of the German Cancer Society's European activities is the development of European Cancer Centres (ECC). These centres are based on the quality principles applied to certified centres and demonstrate their particular expertise in oncological treatment.

The ECC certification programme aims to reduce disparities in cancer care between countries and to establish standardized and uniform oncology care standards across all European Member States. There are now more than 190 ECC in Europe - with numbers continuing to rise.

The German Cancer Society is continuously expanding the ECC network with the goal of ensuring that people affected by cancer throughout Europe have access to high-quality oncological care.