Italy’s cancer incidence rate is slightly below the EU average for men but slightly above for women. The age-standardised cancer mortality rate is 6% lower than the EU average, with a 15% decline over the past decade. Italy’s five-year cancer prevalence rate is approximately 6% higher than the EU average.
Italy performs well on most cancer risk factors, including alcohol consumption, overweight rates, and diet quality, but faces challenges with air pollution exposure and HPV vaccination rates. Smoking rates declined over the past decade but reversed during the pandemic, particularly among young adults. Overweight and obesity rates are relatively low but exhibit a significant socio-economic gradient. Italy’s National Prevention Plan 2020–25 and National Oncology Plan 2023–27 aim to address these issues through educational campaigns, promoting healthy lifestyles, and expanding screening programmes.
Italy has established population-based screening programmes for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers, with plans to expand age ranges for breast and colorectal cancer screening. Screening rates remain below pre-pandemic levels and show marked regional disparities. Italy is assessing the viability of organised prostate and lung cancer screening programmes and transitioning to HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening.
Italy’s National Health Service offers comprehensive cancer care free of charge, but regional disparities in access persist. Radiotherapy equipment is concentrated in the north, creating barriers to outpatient care in southern regions. Cancer is expected to reduce Italian life expectancy by nearly 2 years from 2023 to 2050, aligning with the EU average. However, rising cancer drug costs are projected to significantly increase Italy’s cancer-related health expenditure above the EU average over the next 25 years.
Despite progressive legislation and social security measures for cancer survivors, gaps remain in oncological rehabilitation services and coverage in several regions. Italy’s NOP aims to strengthen the technology infrastructure of its National Rare Cancers Network and enhance psychological support for cancer patients. The NOP also emphasizes the need for RONs to update their oncological clinical-diagnostic care pathways to include rehabilitation services systematically.
