Release of updated cancer burden indicators from cancer registry data in the European Cancer Information System (ECIS)

The European Cancer Information System (ECIS) has been revamped and updated with the latest cancer indicators computed from European population-based cancer registries’ data, including data from the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI). Managed by the JRC, ECIS makes it possible to explore geographical patterns and temporal trends of cancer incidence and mortality across Europe.  

The update of ECIS provided new insights, such as the difference in trends in lung cancer between men and women, as well as decreasing stomach cancer rates over the years. Further use of ECIS data can encourage more targeted cancer policy-making, research, and public awareness.  

The updated cancer figures support the assessment and comparison of the disease across time in different regions. Newly released data complement available time trends until most recent available years, showing the improvement in the timeliness of the data provided by the registries affiliated to the European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR). 

The last update of JRC’s ECIS dataset dated from 2018. Since then, many registries have contributed further with more recent data. The Commission recognises the essential role of population-based cancer registries for planning and evaluating cancer control programs in each Member State. 

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ECIS: a valuable resource for public health 

The European Cancer Information System ECIS is an invaluable source of information about the burden and distribution of cancer in Europe. Widening its coverage, the ECIS historical database includes high-quality standardised data on 68 cancer entities. The update includes data from over 125 cancer registries in 32 countries.  

The updated ECIS web application now offers a more user-friendly interface for data navigation and improved readiness to information extraction, allowing users to easily access and utilise the data. The new ECIS website has been revamped to enhance user experience and provide easier access to the data, thereby promoting the use of cancer data for the benefit of public health. 

At a time when many cancer registries in Europe are facing an existential threat with cuts in their funding and human resources, the new ECIS update shows how important is the continuation of their work for the monitoring of the cancer burden in Europe.  

The European Commission has decided to support their sustainability in a dedicated Joint Action, expect to start later this year, in order to improve the quality of the data, but also the coverage for some countries.