Overview

• Over 3.7 million Italians, or 6.2% of the population, live with a cancer diagnosis, with post-Covid data showing rising incidence among younger age groups.
• The Health Ministry is rolling out expanded cancer screening programs, including lung cancer screenings and broader age eligibility, while leveraging the Agenas platform to address waiting-list delays.
• The 2025 budget law institutionalizes patient organization participation in regional oncology networks (Ror), aiming to enhance patient-centered care and governance.
• The ministerial decree establishing the Coordinamento generale delle reti oncologiche (Cro) was adopted in April 2025, with its first meeting expected soon, pending final procedural clearance.
• Stakeholders highlight persistent regional disparities in care access and funding shortfalls, urging additional investment to meet national and European cancer care goals.