The new OECD report (2025) highlights Greece’s challenges and priorities in cancer, comparing them with other European countries.
Key points:
- Increased incidence: Greece records ~67,000 new cancer diagnoses and ~36,000 deaths annually (2022 data). By 2050, cases are expected to increase by 36%.
- Risk factors: Smoking, obesity, poor diet, air pollution, low HPV vaccination coverage.
- Early diagnosis: There are programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, but they are not yet sufficiently developed or sustainable beyond 2025.
- Inequalities in care: Staff shortages, geographical inequalities, high out-of-pocket costs, difficulties in access for vulnerable groups.
- Survivors & caregivers: There is no organized strategy for the quality of life of survivors, while caregivers are overburdened. The “right to be forgotten” does not yet apply in Greece.
- Data & policy: Until recently, there was no national cancer registry. Greece does not yet have a comprehensive National Cancer Plan, unlike many other European countries.
Conclusion:
Greece is called upon to:
– strengthen prevention and population-based screening,
– reduce inequalities in access,
– support survivors and caregivers,
– and develop a holistic national cancer plan with clear targets and evaluation.
The report clearly shows that the country needs greater investment, better organization, and integration of actions into European planning.
See the report in detail here 22087cfa-en (1)
The main points are given in the file below by the Kapa3 team. OOSA 2025 REPORT
