Implementation research for cancer prevention in Europe

The Reimagining Cancer Research in Europe initiative, which was developed in collaboration with UICC’s European members, represents a partnership between UICC, the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF), the Swedish Cancer Society (Cancerfonden), the Danish Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The initiative responds to the identified need for further investment to leverage the potential of cancer prevention to reduce the growing burden of cancer in Europe, as highlighted in a recent Lancet Oncology Commission report

As part of this initiative, a grants programme was launched to support research into the effective implementation of evidence-based interventions for cancer prevention in Europe, in alignment with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and Europe’s Mission on Cancer. A call for proposals was opened in December 2023 with grants of up to 500,000 Euros available for research projects of two years in duration, including two to four collaborating principal investigators from more than one EU Member State or associated country, with at least one of the countries involved being the Netherlands, Sweden or Denmark. 

Fifteen research groups from 15 European countries submitted applications, which were reviewed by an independent committee of international experts in implementation science and cancer prevention. Projects with strong potential to advance the implementation of cancer prevention strategies by translating existing knowledge into practical applications were prioritised. Three projects were selected for funding and are detailed below, along with quotes from the project leads.

Awarded projects

“Effective cancer screening is essential for a functional society, but there are challenges to provide screening in difficult circumstances such as the ongoing war on Ukraine and the cervical screening solution used in Sweden could address several of the challenges. Self-sampling by the women saves healthcare personnel, while HPV testing only for the most oncogenic HPV types improves specificity, further saving resources and costs. An evaluation into whether this modern, resource-effective screening can be implemented in Ukraine will be useful for the continued worldwide implementation of HPV screening, an essential pillar of the WHO strategy for global elimination of cervical cancer.” - Laila Sara Arroyo Mühr Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

"Our project represents a crucial advancement in prostate cancer early detection across Europe. By co-creating and evaluating a risk-stratified screening programme tailored to Slovenia’s unique healthcare landscape, we’re not just reducing overdiagnosis and overtreatment—we’re striving to save lives and improve the quality of care for men at risk. This initiative is part of a broader movement, complementing ongoing screening trials across Europe. At IARC/WHO, we’re proud to collaborate with Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Slovenia and Erasmus MC, the Netherlands to bring forward a future where prostate cancer screening is more effective, and truly life-changing." - Arunah Chandran International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), France

"Implementation of a comprehensive quality assurance scheme within Latvian breast cancer screening based on the Dutch model, contributes to high-quality screening, improved screening outcomes, and in turn, a reduction in breast cancer morbidity and mortality in the long term. If successful, STRIVE can serve as a model to support similar initiatives in other European countries." - Mireille Broeders Dutch Expert Centre for Screening, the Netherlands

The initiative also remains open to partners interested to contribute and further maximise its impact. For any questions or more information regarding the call, please contact UICC: fellows@uicc.org.