IARC's Presence at European Liver Patients' Association Policy Event
On December 4, 2025, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) participated in a significant policy event, 'From Risk to Action: Preventing Liver Health Crises through NCD Literacy and Care', organized by the European Liver Patients' Association (ELPA) at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. This event addressed the critical issue of liver health and cancer prevention in Europe.
Dr. Harriet Rumgay, an epidemiologist from IARC's Cancer Surveillance Branch, delivered a compelling keynote presentation. Her talk delved into the epidemiology of liver cancer in Europe, shedding light on the major risk factors, such as hepatitis B and C viruses, alcohol consumption, smoking, and overweight/obesity. Dr. Rumgay emphasized the importance of prevention and early detection in reducing the future burden of liver cancer, a message that resonated with the audience.
The event gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, patient advocates, clinicians, researchers, and civil society representatives. Together, they discussed the growing public health concern of liver diseases in Europe and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies. The focus was on prevention, early detection, and integrated care pathways to combat liver diseases and alleviate the burden of liver cancer.
IARC's participation in such events is crucial as it provides valuable scientific insights to inform evidence-based policies and strengthen public health initiatives across Europe and globally. By sharing expertise, IARC contributes to the development of effective cancer prevention strategies, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
