From cancer to cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders, Europe faces a number of healthcare-related challenges. In fact, cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of disability and premature death in Europe, accounting for over 30% of all deaths annually1, while in 2022, cancer claimed the lives of 1.3 million EU citizens2. But more than just driving up morbidity and mortality rates, these conditions also drive up costs. For example, EU Member States have seen a 40% increase in healthcare expenditure since 20143.
The good news is that advancements in medical technologies – including diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy and digital tools – have the potential to improve outcomes, enhance disease prevention, and allow providers to deliver more effective patient care. Helping put this potential into practice is the European Coordination Committee of the Radiological, Electromedical, and Healthcare IT Industry (COCIR).
Sources
- Eurostat, 2025, Cardiovascular Diseases Statistics
- 2022 New Cancer Cases and Cancer Deaths on the Rise in the EU: September 2023
- Eurostat, 2024, Healthcare Expenditure Statistics by Function, Provider and Financing Scheme