More screening to cut EU cancer deaths, says Italy:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
More screening is needed to further reduce cancer mortality, says the Italian health ministry in response to a study published recently on the evolution of cancer care across the EU. Some 92,750 cancer-related deaths were averted across the EU, between 1985-2000, 9% less than had been estimated. The target set in 1985 was to cut cancer mortality in 2000 by 15%. Italy - together with Luxembourg and the UK - fell short, with a 13% reduction. Austria and Finland met the target, while Portugal and Greece performed worst. "Screening, particularly of women, with Pap cervical smear testing and mammography, are key to further reducing cancer mortality," says the Italian health ministry.