EU Screening Week 2026

EU Screening Week, taking place from 28 September to 4 October 2026, shines a spotlight on the importance of prevention, health screening, early diagnosis, and timely intervention across Europe. Held during the week of World Heart Day and aligned with the objectives of the EU Safe Hearts Plan, the initiative promotes greater awareness of screening for major health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. By encouraging healthcare organisations, patient groups, policymakers, and local communities to organise and showcase awareness activities, EU Screening Week aims to empower citizens to take proactive steps towards better health, improve early detection, and support healthier outcomes across the European population.

How to take part?

MedTech Europe encourages healthcare organisations, patient groups, healthcare professionals, industry partners, and community organisations to support EU Screening Week by organising an activity between 28 September and 4 October 2026.

Activities could include:

  • Awareness campaigns on the importance of cardiovascular and diabetes screening
  • Educational events on prevention, early diagnosis, and healthy lifestyles
  • Showcasing existing screening, monitoring, and disease management programmes
  • Campaigns encouraging individuals to understand their health risks and seek appropriate medical advice

Every activity contributes to raising awareness of prevention and early detection, demonstrating how medical technologies can support better cardiovascular and metabolic health, and helping build a healthier Europe.

Why get involved?

EU Screening Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of prevention, screening, and early detection for some of Europe’s most pressing health challenges, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Medical technologies play a vital role in identifying risk factors, enabling earlier diagnosis, and supporting more personalised care pathways. By organising or promoting screening and awareness activities during EU Screening Week, stakeholders can help empower citizens to take proactive steps towards better health while highlighting the value of innovative diagnostic and monitoring technologies. These efforts support broader European ambitions to strengthen prevention, improve health outcomes, and reduce the growing burden of chronic diseases.

Advancing prevention and early detection through medical technologies

From cardiovascular risk assessment and diabetes screening to advanced in vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing, innovative technologies provide the information needed to detect disease sooner and guide better treatment decisions. These priorities are reflected in the EU Safe Hearts Plan, which promotes stronger prevention policies, risk-based screening, and earlier detection of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, recognising the close link between heart health and metabolic health.

Explore the key areas below to learn how medical technologies are supporting prevention and improving patient outcomes across Europe.

In Vitro Diagnostics

In Vitro Diagnostics

In vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests are essential tools for prevention, screening, and early diagnosis, providing critical information that supports better healthcare decisions. By helping detect diseases earlier, assess health risks, and monitor patient health, IVDs enable more timely and personalised care.

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In Vitro Diagnostics

Medtech Europe

Learn more about the value of diagnostic information

In vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests are essential tools for prevention, screening, and early diagnosis, providing critical information that supports better healthcare decisions. By helping detect diseases earlier, assess health risks, and monitor patient health, IVDs enable more timely and personalised care. The diagnostic insights they provide can improve patient outcomes, support disease prevention, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare systems. As Europe strengthens its focus on prevention and early detection, access to high-quality diagnostic information is more important than ever. EU Screening Week helps raise awareness of the value of diagnostic testing and encourages greater uptake of screening programmes that can identify health risks before symptoms appear.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the EU and remain Europe’s greatest health challenge. More than 13 million people are diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition each year, with over 60 million people currently living with CVDs across Europe.

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Cardiovascular

Medtech Europe

Learn more about cardiovascular

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the EU and remain Europe’s greatest health challenge. More than 13 million people are diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition each year, with over 60 million people currently living with CVDs across Europe. Many risk factors develop without noticeable symptoms, making prevention and early detection essential. Regular screening can help identify these risks sooner, enabling timely intervention and reducing the likelihood of serious complications. The EU Safe Hearts Plan supports this effort by promoting stronger prevention policies, improved access to screening, and earlier diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions across Europe. EU Screening Week highlights the vital role of screening and early detection in improving cardiovascular health and saving lives.

Diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes affects an estimated 60 million people across Europe and is often described as a silent pandemic. Because the condition can develop without obvious symptoms, screening plays a crucial role in early detection and timely intervention. Early diagnosis can help prevent serious complications and improve long-term health outcomes.

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Diabetes

Medtech Europe

Learn more about diabetes

Diabetes affects an estimated 60 million people across Europe and is often described as a silent pandemic. Because the condition can develop without obvious symptoms, screening plays a crucial role in early detection and timely intervention. Early diagnosis can help prevent serious complications and improve long-term health outcomes. The EU Safe Hearts Plan recognises diabetes as a key cardiovascular risk factor and promotes a more integrated approach to prevention, screening, and care. The EU Screening Week highlights the importance of early diagnosis in improving lives and reducing the impact of diabetes across Europe.