Health at a Glance: Europe 2018
State of Health in the EU Cycle
Health at a Glance: Europe 2018 presents comparative analyses of the health status of EU citizens and the performance of the health systems of the 28 EU Member States, 5 candidate countries and 3 EFTA countries. It is the first step in the State of Health in the EU cycle of knowledge brokering. This publication has two parts. Part I comprises two thematic chapters, the first focusing on the need for concerted efforts to promote better mental health, the second outlining possible strategies for reducing wasteful spending in health. In Part II, the most recent trends in key indicators of health status, risk factors and health spending are presented, together with a discussion of progress in improving the effectiveness, accessibility and resilience of European health systems.
Survival and mortality for colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer among men, and the third most common cause of cancer deaths after breast and lung cancers among women across EU countries (see indicator “Mortality from cancer” in ). The main risk factors for colorectal cancer include age, ulcerative colitis, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and lifestyle factors such as a diet high in fat and low in fibre, physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco and alcohol consumption. The incidence of colorectal cancer is significantly higher among men. Generally, rectal cancer is more difficult to treat than colon cancer due to a higher probability of spreading to other tissue, recurrence and postoperative complications.