A week of action against cancer

The European Week Against Cancer is a flagship initiative from the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL), bringing together cancer leagues, health advocates, civil society groups, and policymakers to raise awareness about the importance of cancer prevention and care.

The European Week Against Cancer takes place between 25 and 31 May each year and concludes with World No Tobacco Day on 31 May.

The European Week Against Cancer 2026: Together against cancer inequalities

Cancer continues to affect thousands of people across Europe every year. Cancer claimed the lives of an estimated 1.3 million people in 2022 alone, making it the leading cause of death for people aged under 65 in Europe.  

Together, we can reverse this trend.

Where you live should not determine your risk of cancer or your chances of surviving it. Cancer affects everyone, but the differences in how it is prevented, diagnosed, and treated remain deeply unequal across Europe.  

This European Week Against Cancer, join our call to end inequalities in access to prevention, early detection, treatment and care for all. Download the toolkit and help share the news today.