Strategic Initiatives are the CPE-led programmes operating on a continuous basis, that contribute to the development of scientific output.
CPE’s identification of gaps and emerging priorities is currently led by three Research Expert Working Group (REWG)s, each focused on one of the three levels of cancer prevention — primary, secondary, and tertiary. Bringing together senior scientists and early-career researchers from across CPE’s Core and Affiliate member institutions, each REWG develops roadmaps and publications contributing to cancer prevention research in Europe.
A defining feature of CPE’s REWG is that senior and early-career researchers work together as peers, co-authoring roadmaps and strategic papers side by side.
The Primary Prevention Working Group looks at the modifiable risk factors driving cancer risk across Europe, and at what a coordinated European research agenda for primary prevention should prioritise. The group’s work builds in stages where an initial paper sets the scene by mapping current trends and evidence (paper submitted), and a follow-up research roadmap in progress is building on this foundation to identify research gaps and define future directions for the field.
The Secondary Prevention Working Group examines how cancer is detected earlier and more effectively — from screening and biomarkers to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and multi-cancer early detection. The group is developing a research roadmap that identifies research gaps and sets out priorities to guide the future of secondary cancer prevention in Europe.
The Tertiary Prevention Working Group focuses on life after a cancer diagnosis — improving outcomes, quality of life, and long-term care. The group is identifying research priorities and open questions in this field, laying the groundwork for a roadmap to guide future work in tertiary cancer prevention across Europe.
While each Research Expert Working Group leads its own domain, they do not work in isolation. In May 2026, the three Working Group leads presented their research priorities jointly in a dedicated CPE session at the IARC 60th anniversary conference, sharing perspectives across the full spectrum of cancer prevention. Soon, more of their work will be presented at the CPE 10 years anniversary.
A team dedicated to design and implement a robust strategic framework that enhances CPE’s visibility, deepens its engagement with key stakeholders, and ensures that its mission and vision remains aligned with evolving policy and research priorities as well as health agendas across Europe.
The Intervention Evidence Portal provides reviews of cancer prevention interventions to inform policy, practice and research. This strategic initiative aims to make evidence accessible to international, national and local governments, as well as civil society organizations. Its broader purpose is to support the development and delivery of effective cancer prevention interventions across Europe. We are pleased to share with you two reviews:
The Intervention Evidence Portal Review Task Force is currently working on a third review, on environmental interventions to promote healthy food practices for obesity prevention.
The CPE Scientific and Career Development Webinar Series is an Early Career Network-led initiative connecting expertise across the CPE consortium with the wider cancer prevention community. Webinars run each year across two streams: Scientific Webinars, covering current and emerging topics, approaches, and methodologies in cancer prevention research and practice; and Career Development Webinars, which support early-career professionals with skills beyond scientific training, such as grant writing, to build professional capacity and open new opportunities. Participant feedback shapes future session, visit our Knowledge Hub to find the webinar recordings.
