Cancer: Over 60,000 New Diagnoses Every Year in Greece

February 4th is dedicated to World Cancer Day, an international initiative aimed at raising awareness, mobilizing society, and promoting equal access to quality care for those living with cancer.

For 2026, the central message of the campaign is “Care with Empathy – Putting People First,” highlighting the need for a person-centered approach to patient care.

Optimism for Cancer Patient Survival

As Professor Thanos Dimopoulos, Director of the Therapeutic Clinic at “Alexandra” Hospital and former Rector of the University of Athens, points out, “Recent data from the American Cancer Society’s annual report ‘Cancer Statistics 2026’ show that, for the first time, the 5-year survival rate for all types of cancer in the U.S. has reached 70%. This rate pertains to individuals diagnosed between 2015 and 2021.”

It is particularly impressive that patients with advanced-stage cancer showed the greatest improvement in survival.

However, cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally and the leading cause of death for people under 85. Estimates for 2026 suggest around 2,114,850 cancer diagnoses and 626,140 deaths in the U.S. alone.

Cancer Situation in Greece and Europe

According to the European Cancer Information System (ECIS), in 2024, 2.7 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in the European Union, and there was a 2% reduction in mortality compared to 2022.

In Greece, it is estimated that over 60,000 new cancer diagnoses were recorded in 2024. Cancer slightly affects men more (54% of new cases and 56% of cancer deaths) than women.

In the EU, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with around 360,000 women diagnosed with the disease in 2024.

The following cancers are also common:

• Colon cancer
• Lung cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Skin melanoma

In men, the most commonly diagnosed cancer is prostate cancer (22.3%), followed by:

• Lung cancer
• Colon cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer

Regarding mortality, the four most common causes of cancer death for both genders are lung cancer (19.7%), colon cancer (12.2%), pancreatic cancer (7.5%), and breast cancer (7.3%).

Human-Centered Approach and Awareness Campaign

This year’s World Cancer Day campaign is part of a three-year initiative, evolving in three stages.

The first year (2025) focused on raising awareness about inequalities in access to and the quality of care.
In 2026, the campaign focuses on understanding the barriers and challenges faced by both patients and healthcare professionals.
In 2027, the campaign will culminate with a global call to citizens, professionals, and policymakers to take actions that will bring real change.
The message for the year is clear: cancer care must be centered around the person. With understanding, respect, and an approach that recognizes the personality and emotions behind the disease, therapeutic outcomes are improved.

The participation of everyone is crucial for the success of the campaign. Organizations, local communities, healthcare professionals, patients, and citizens are encouraged to actively contribute through awareness activities, events, or simple acts of support, such as using the orange-blue colors of the day or sharing the message on social media, as stated by Mr. Dimopoulos.