About ScreenCancer Europe

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the European Union and the major cause of death in people aged 45-64[1]. It is estimated that one in three Europeans will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime and one in four will die from the disease [2]. The cost in terms of human loss faced by families and the resources consumed by the diagnosis, treatment and care of the disease are both staggering and rising.

In 2006 there were nearly 2.3 million new cancer cases and over 1 million cancer deaths within the European Union. If nothing is done, these numbers are projected to double by 2020[3]. Fortunately, early detection of cancer through screening is an effective way of saving lives and costs to individuals, employers and society.

Because of this, the European Parliament first made recommendations in 2003 to all member states that screening for breast, cervical and colon cancer should be offered in organized programs and went on to specifically resolve that early detection is important in their strategy to control cancer. Yet while governments have realized the advantages of early screening in cancer diagnostics, effective programs lag[4].

Cancer is not just a problem for governments; it is also a major economic burden for the employers of people diagnosed with cancer. Increased sick leave and loss of productivity take a heavy toll on businesses. Not surprisingly, there is a clear trend for more and more employers to offer better health care for their employees. In addition, in the competition for attracting and retaining the best employees, companies have found the use of new and compelling benefits to be an effective solution beyond relying on ever increasing salaries.

ScreenCancer Europe provides a private alternative where little or no public cancer screening program exists. By offering a panel of the leading screening tests for several major cancers, and clinical follow-up by experts in the field, ScreenCancer provides a method for employers and individuals to reduce the risk and negative effects of cancer.

[1]Niederlaender, “ Causes of Death in the EU”, EuroStat, October, 2006

[2]International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

[3]Frost and Sullivan, 2005

[4]London School of Economics , “ Urgent action needed in Europe to improve CRC screening”, June 2008