On 4 February, the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) stands alongside the global community to mark World Cancer Day, reaffirming the region’s commitment to prevention, early detection, and equitable access to cancer care.
Cancer continues to place a significant burden on populations across South-East Europe, affecting individuals, families, and health systems alike. While advances in treatment have improved outcomes, too many cancers in the region remain preventable, and too many diagnoses are made too late, limiting chances of survival.
Key risk factors — including tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity — continue to drive cancer incidence across SEE countries. At the same time, inequalities in access to screening, diagnostics, and quality treatment persist, leading to avoidable differences in outcomes between population groups and across the region.
The World Cancer Day 2025–2027 campaign, “United by Unique,” places people at the heart of cancer care and calls for a shift from awareness to sustained action. It highlights the importance of person-centred health systems that respond to individual needs while strengthening prevention and early detection at population level.
SEEHN emphasises the importance of regional cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing cancer, including stronger prevention policies, expanded and equitable screening programmes, timely diagnosis, and continuity of care. Working together with governments, health professionals, civil society, and international partners, the region can reduce avoidable cancer deaths and improve quality of life for those affected.
On World Cancer Day, SEEHN calls for renewed commitment to act earlier, act together, and act fairly — ensuring that where people live in South-East Europe does not determine their cancer outcomes.
#WorldCancerDay #UnitedByUnique #CancerPrevention #EarlyDetection #HealthEquity
