The ECIS database contains the aggregated results computed from data submitted by population-based European cancer registries participating in the ENCR-JRC project on "Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Europe". These data are the basis to estimate national incidence and mortality for 2020, as a joint outcome of a collaborative exercise of the JRC and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in collaboration with the European Network of Cancer Registries and the International Association of Cancer Registries.
For survival, the ECIS web application includes the results of the EUROCARE study, latest published edition (EUROCARE-5).
Incidence and mortality estimates 2020
The ECIS web application displays the national estimates of cancer incidence and mortality for the major cancer types in the EU-27 countries, for the year 2020. These estimates are the joint outcome of a collaborative exercise of the JRC with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in collaboration with the ENCR and the International Association of Cancer Registries, and are based on the cancer registries historical data on incidence and mortality [a].
The incidence estimates in 2020 for the EU-27 countries are based on the data from the cancer registries participating in the ENCR-JRC call for data and the IARC's "CI5: Cancer Incidence in Five Continents series". The mortality data was extracted from the WHO mortality database.
The list of cancer sites and corresponding definitions used in the estimates 2020 is available here.
A standard methodology was applied to bridge a potential lack of data in the estimation of comparable cancer burden indicators across cancer sites and countries. The process is described here.
The estimates reported in the ECIS web application may differ from those provided by national bodies because of possible differences in methodology and data sources. They have been computed from the recorded data provided by the cancer registries, and should be interpreted with caution as they are the result of an estimation process and do not correspond to any recorded value. It has to be noted that the variations of estimates across countries is influenced by a number of factors, including different levels of primary prevention and care, population-based screening, data registration coverage as well as the methods used for estimation.
Incidence and mortality long-term estimates up to 2040
The ECIS web application includes the long-term national estimates of cancer incidence and mortality for the major cancer types in the EU-27 and EFTA countries (except Lichtenstein), for the period up to the year 2040. These estimates are calculated on the basis of the EUROSTAT projected population up to 2040, and the cancer burden estimates for the year 2020 [a].
Calculations were performed under the assumption that the crude cancer incidence and mortality rates up to year 2040 would remain the same as those estimated for the year 2020, to only assess the impact on cancer burden of future changes in the population size and structures in EU and EFTA countries. Projected populations estimated by EUROSTAT include different scenarios aiming to show hypothetical developments of the population size and structure based on different assumptions for fertility, mortality and net migration.
The list of cancer sites and corresponding definitions used for the long-term estimates are the same used for the 2020 estimates. The list is available here.
Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Europe
The 2015 ENCR-JRC data call aimed to collect data, compute and disseminate indicators for assessing and monitoring the burden of cancer in Europe. The outputs of the project consist of cancer incidence and mortality indicators, including specific analyses by cancer site, sex, age group, calendar period, and geographic area.
A total of 149 population-based cancer registries from 34 European countries responded to the call for data and were included.
The indicators, published in the ECIS web application, are produced in collaboration with the cancer registries and their representative body – the ENCR Steering Committee.
The list of cancer registries contributing to the ECIS and the corresponding incidence and mortality time period is available here.
The list of cancer entities and corresponding definitions used in the ENCR-JRC call for data is available here.
Childhood Cancer Incidence in Europe
The 2015 ENCR-JRC data call aimed to collect data, compute and disseminate indicators for assessing and monitoring the burden of cancer in Europe. As a specific focus, the cancer burden on childhood population is also analysed according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC). The cancer incidence indicators are analysed by diagnostic group, age group, calendar period, and geographic area.
A total of 107 all-ages and 6 childhood-specific cancer registries from XXX European countries responded to the call for data and were included.
The incidence indicators, published in the ECIS web application, are produced in collaboration with the cancer registries and their representative body – the ENCR Steering Committee.
The list of cancer registries contributing to the ECIS and the corresponding incidence time period is available here.
The list of diagnostic groups based on ICCC used is available here here.
The EUROCARE study
EUROCARE (EUROpean CAncer REgistry based study on survival and care of cancer patients) is the widest collaborative research project on cancer survival in Europe [b].
Aims of the study are to provide an updated description of cancer survival time trends and differences across European countries, to measure cancer prevalence and to study patterns of care of cancer patients.
The latest published edition, EUROCARE-5, includes data on more than 21 million cancer diagnoses provided by 99 Cancer Registries in 26 European countries.
The EUROCARE-5 results were published in 2015 on the European Journal of Cancer and are available here.
The list of cancer registries participating in the EUROCARE-5 study is available here.
The list of cancer sites and corresponding definitions used in the EUROCARE-5 study is available here.
a Dyba T, Randi G, Bray F, Martos C, Giusti F, Nicholson N, Gavin A, Flego M, Neamtiu L, Dimitrova N, Negrão Carvalho R, Ferlay J, Bettio M. The European cancer burden in 2020: Incidence and mortality estimates for 40 countries and 25 major cancers. Eur J Cancer. 2021 Nov;157:308-347. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.07.039. Epub 2021 Sep 21. PMID: 34560371; PMCID: PMC8568058.
b De Angelis R.; Sant M.; Coleman M.P.; Francisci S.; Baili P.; Pierannunzio D.; Trama A.; Visser O.; Brenner H.; Ardanaz E.; the EUROCARE-5 Working Group.; et al. Cancer survival in Europe 1999-2007 by country and age: results of EUROCARE-5-a population-based study Lancet Oncology 2014,15:23-34.