A global expert consensus led by RAND Europe for Mission Early defines an evidence-based framework for early cancer care. It highlights integrated policy, education, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and system strengthening. Priorities span workforce capacity, data, equity, collaboration and continuous evaluation to deliver accessible, sustainable, patient-centred cancer outcomes across diverse health systems.

Consensus building research to identify the 'ideal' policy framework for early cancer care

Fifi Olumogba, Callum Gunn, Manon Richard-Sheridan, Daniela Moye Holz

ResearchPublished Mar 19, 2026

This report, prepared by RAND Europe for Mission Early, summarises findings from a global Expert Consensus study that aimed to define the essential elements of an effective policy framework for early cancer care. Early cancer care encompasses measures across the entire cancer pathway — including education, prevention, screening, timely diagnosis and treatment — to ensure cancers are found and addressed at their most treatable stages. The study focused on identifying policy components that promote accessibility, equity and sustainability in early cancer care across different health systems.

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, responsible for around 10 million deaths annually. Although advances in detection and treatment have improved outcomes, significant inequalities persist in access to early diagnosis and timely therapy. Policies addressing early cancer care are often fragmented, leading to inefficiencies. While global health bodies such as the WHO, OECD, European Commission and UICC advocate stronger national cancer control strategies, implementation remains inconsistent, particularly in low‑ and middle‑income countries with limited resources.

To address these gaps, Mission Early commissioned RAND Europe to reach expert consensus on principles for an integrated, evidence‑based and equitable early cancer care policy framework. This framework is designed to help governments and stakeholders coordinate prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment efforts.

The study followed a three‑phase Expert Consensus process supported by Mission Early's Advisory Group: (1) idea generation, (2) three rounds of structured online ratings and discussions using RAND's ExpertLensTM platform, and (3) validation workshops combining quantitative and qualitative insights to refine and test the framework's practical applicability.

Key Findings

Education and engagement

  • Public Education and Community Empowerment were viewed as the most feasible and essential components, fostering health literacy, trust and proactive health seeking behaviour. Experts agreed that strong community engagement creates the foundation for equitable access to early detection and treatment. Without informed and empowered populations, even well designed health interventions may fail to reach those most at risk.

Strengthening the early detection, diagnosis and treatment pathway

  • Expanding high quality Screening programmes and supporting Detection and Diagnostic Innovation were considered critical for improving early identification and pathway efficiency. Strengthening Primary Care Capacity and ensuring effective Care Coordination between diagnosis and treatment can reduce delays and improve patient outcomes. However, experts noted common barriers to feasibility, including workforce shortages, limited funding and governance complexities. Technological innovation must balance evidence based standards with equity and cost effectiveness.

Infrastructure and health system strengthening

  • Cross cutting components – Data Infrastructure, Real world Evidence and Incentivisation Structures – were recognised as fundamental to performance monitoring, accountability and long term sustainability. These tools enable continuous learning, benchmarking and refinement of early cancer care policy. Although viewed as beneficial, their implementation can be challenging in resource constrained settings due to variations in digital capacity and institutional maturity.
  • Together, these findings emphasise the need for integrated and equitable policy framework emphasising early cancer care as an integrated continuum supported by data systems, workforce capacity and aligned incentives.

Recommendations

  • Integrate early cancer care priorities into national cancer control and universal health coverage strategies.
  • Rebalance funding from late-stage treatment towards prevention and primary care based diagnosis.
  • Strengthen workforce training, referral systems and intersectoral collaboration across health, education and finance sectors.
  • Invest in interoperable data and evidence platforms to inform adaptive policy.
  • Design incentive mechanisms carefully, to support equity and long term outcomes rather than short-term metrics.
  • Build public trust through inclusive, co-created education and communication strategies.

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Olumogba, Fifi, Callum Gunn, Manon Richard-Sheridan, and Daniela Moye Holz, Consensus building research to identify the 'ideal' policy framework for early cancer care. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2026. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA4835-1.html.
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The research described in this report was prepared for Mission Early and conducted by RAND Europe.

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