Background: Discrepancies between the outcomes of cancer patients between Western European and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries have often been observed. Despite the enormous economic and civilizational progress made in these countries after the abolishment of the communist regime, structural problems persist. Summary: The present article reviews the domains of medical oncology education, human resources in oncology, cancer care, and clinical research in Central and Eastern European in order to comprehensively assess the current situation and needs, describe important initiatives, and also propose ways to improving cancer outcomes in the region. Activities are under way to address these issues in national action plans to divert funding into oncology-related education, research, the purchase of equipment, and the attainment of modern hospital organization and structures. Key massage: Over the past more than 30 years, CEE countries have made enormous economic and societal progress. Nevertheless, challenges especially in the healthcare sector persist.

The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel