IARC Hosts EU-GAINS Kick-Off Meeting: Unveiling New Strategies for Gastric Cancer Prevention
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently hosted a pivotal kick-off meeting for the EU-GAINS project, a collaborative initiative with far-reaching implications for cancer prevention across Europe. This project, a fusion of the European Commission Initiative on Gastric Cancer (EC-GaC) and the third European Union (EU) Cancer Screening Report, is set to revolutionize our approach to gastric cancer prevention and screening.
The primary objectives of EU-GAINS are twofold. Firstly, it aims to develop evidence-based recommendations and lay the groundwork for a European quality assurance scheme specifically tailored to gastric cancer prevention. Secondly, it seeks to create the third EU Cancer Screening Report, a comprehensive resource that sheds light on the status of screening programs across EU Member States.
One of the project's key deliverables is the first evidence-based European guidelines for population-based Helicobacter pylori screen-and-treat strategies. These guidelines are designed to significantly reduce the burden of gastric cancer across Europe, particularly in regions or populations with elevated risk. While the burden is currently highest in eastern European countries, high-risk populations exist in every region, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated prevention efforts.
The third EU Cancer Screening Report will provide up-to-date data on the burden of major cancer types, including breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and gastric cancers, across Europe. Collectively, these cancer types account for millions of disability-adjusted life years lost each year, with significant disparities in incidence and outcomes between regions. This data will be made available through the European Cancer Information System (ECIS) for visualization and monitoring of the performance of programs.
The project supports the new EU approach on cancer screening, as part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. By providing valuable insights and resources, EU-GAINS aims to enhance our understanding of cancer prevention and screening, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient Europe.
For more information, visit the European Commission Initiative on Gastric Cancer (EC-GaC) website: https://cancer-screening-and-care.jrc.ec.europa.eu/en/ec-gac
Explore the European Cancer Information System (ECIS) website: https://ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
View photos and infographics: https://www.iarc.who.int/infographics/iarc-hosts-eu-gains-kick-off-meeting/
