June 16, 2026, 11:30 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Every year, more than half a million people in Germany are diagnosed with cancer. At the same time, the chances of recovery today are significantly better than they were a few decades ago. Leading experts in medicine, research, and health policy are convinced: Many cancer deaths could be prevented in the future if prevention and early detection are given more focus.
Renowned oncologists, scientists, and politicians discussed this at this year’s “Vision Zero” Summit at BILD on June 15 in Berlin. The initiative’s goal: to reduce the number of preventable cancer deaths to zero in the long term.
Cancer Medicine in Transition
Cancer research is currently experiencing rapid progress. Personalized therapies, modern antibody drugs, gene therapies, and the use of artificial intelligence are opening up new possibilities for treating many types of tumors. However, experts also emphasized: Medical innovations alone will not suffice. It is crucial to detect diseases as early as possible or even prevent them entirely.
“Vision Zero does not mean the illusion of a world without cancer. It simply means no longer accepting preventable cancer deaths as a statistical norm,” explained oncologist Prof. Christof von Kalle at the summit. “Zero!” was also his answer to the question: How many preventable cancer deaths should we accept?
Top doctors on the phone for you! Ask your questions to the best cancer specialists
Early Detection Saves Lives
Forty percent of cancer cases are considered preventable. Prevention starts with lifestyle—risk factors include tobacco and alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise. Another important component: preventive care. Therefore, another focus of the summit was the importance of screenings. Many types of cancer can be detected at early stages today—often before symptoms appear. Studies show that early detection significantly improves survival chances, especially for colon cancer. According to experts, this could save 7,000 life years each year.
Also of interest: Expert to FITBOOK: “The HPV vaccination is as important for boys as it is for girls”
Why Education Starts in School
This year’s “Vision Zero” award went to the project “Prevention Begins in School” by the Medical Society for Health Promotion (ÄGGF).
The focus is on education about human papillomaviruses (HPV). These viruses are among the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide and can later cause various types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Experts see HPV vaccination as one of the most effective measures for cancer prevention. Nevertheless, there is still a need for improvement in vaccination rates in Germany. Despite effective vaccinations, there are still 10,500 HPV-related cancer cases in Germany.
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Experts Explain How Children Can Grow Up Healthy and Strong
The Future of Cancer Combat
The participants of the event agreed: The opportunities in the fight against cancer have rarely been greater than they are today. Modern therapies, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence could fundamentally change treatment in the coming years.
At the same time, prevention remains the most important lever. Those who maintain a healthy lifestyle, take advantage of preventive care, and use recommended vaccinations can significantly reduce their personal cancer risk today.
Conclusion
The vision of a world without preventable cancer deaths may seem ambitious. But experts are convinced that prevention, early detection, and medical innovations together have the potential to sustainably change cancer medicine.