The European Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres (EUnetCCC) has published the foundational documents of its certification framework: the EUCCC Certification Scheme Manual, the Set of Criteria and Standards, and a revised Self-Assessment Tool for Certification, all now publicly available on the EUnetCCC website.
The publication marks the culmination of work that began under the CraNE Joint Action (2022–2024), which first conceptualised a European certification framework for Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) and defined an initial Set of Criteria and Standards. Since October 2024, EUnetCCC has carried that work forward through an extensive programme of methodological development, field testing and stakeholder consultation, turning an initial concept into an operational, tested certification scheme.
A common European reference for Comprehensive Cancer Centres
Under the Scheme, a Comprehensive Cancer Centre is defined as an institution that provides high-quality diagnostics and treatment across all major cancer types, combined with substantial breadth in basic, translational, clinical, prevention and population-based research — while acting as a hub of excellence and collaboration for its wider regional or national network.
To qualify, a candidate centre must demonstrate four essential characteristics: organisational capabilities, strategic partnerships, transdisciplinary collaboration across the patient pathway, and institutional commitment to European collaboration.
What the three documents cover
- The Set of Criteria and Standards defines what a CCC must demonstrate, structured around seven themes — Governance, Care, Research, Integration of Research and Care, Innovation, Prevention, and Education and Training. Each standard is accompanied by suggested evidence, with a subset identified as CORE requirements.
- The Certification Scheme Manual sets out how certification actually works: the governance bodies responsible for the Scheme — including the Scheme Owner, the Certification Secretariat, the Scientific Advisory Council, accredited Certification Operators, and a European community of trained auditors — and the certification pathway itself, from admission and self-assessment through on-site audit, certification decision, surveillance and re-certification.
- The Self-Assessment Tool for Certification allows candidate centres to benchmark themselves against the requirements before formally entering the certification process.
Why it matters?
This is the first time Europe has had a harmonised, independently audited framework for recognising Comprehensive Cancer Centres. For patients, it means more consistent, coordinated, high-quality cancer care regardless of where they are treated. For centres, it offers a clear, evidence-based pathway for organisational development. EUnetCCC's ambition is to bring together at least 100 certified or certification-track CCCs by 2028, forming an integrated network able to ensure that 90% of eligible patients across Europe have access to high-quality, evidence-based care throughout the entire cancer continuum.
Joint Action EUnetCCC is co-funded by the EU4Health programme under Flagship 5 of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.