4P-CAN partners have united in a new publication titled ‘Characterizing stakeholders in cancer primary prevention in European countries: an exploration of challenges and opportunities using a penta-helix framework’, published inthe journal Frontiers in Public Health.
The role of cancer primary prevention has been widely recognised as a way to tackle preventable factors (e.g., smoking habits) associated with many cancer cases. Regional differences regarding these risk factors may contribute to differences in cancer incidence and mortality between Western and Eastern European countries. While governments play a critical role in addressing this challenge, cancer primary prevention requires more than national cancer plans: it demands collective action across all sectors of society.
This study aims to understand how different stakeholders contribute to cancer primary prevention (CPP), and how stronger collaboration could help close the East–West cancer gap.
To explore this, researchers used a penta-helix approach, looking at five key sectors (Public sector, Academia/ Research, Private sector, Media and Civil society), using data from surveys (with 110 participants) and interviews (33 participants from 9 European countries).
What the study found:
The public sector leads the way: In both Western and Eastern Europe, government bodies are seen as the main drivers of change, and the most proactive and influential players in cancer primary prevention.
The different sectors have complementary roles, while keeping specific challenges and opportunities.
Complementarity is challenging among Eastern countries: Although no major differences were observed between Western and Eastern countries regarding the role of the sectors, the results point to the fact that the other sectors expect the public sector to take the lead, set strategies, and facilitate the collaboration between partners.
The findings conclude that cancer prevention works best when sectors work together. As cancer cases rise across Europe, strengthening collaboration between sectors seems to be essential. By building partnerships and aligning efforts, Europe can take a significant step toward reducing preventable cancer cases, reducing inequalities among regions, and creating healthier communities for all.
The full publication is accessible here.
