As one of the major health issues in Europe, cancer was a research priority in the 6th Framework Programme (2002-2006). About 485 million euros were devoted to this theme, which allowed funding of 108 multidisciplinary transnational projects. A significant part of them was large-scale initiatives addressing complex issues through a broad combination of competences. All major types of cancer were covered, as well as the three dimensions such as prevention, diagnostic and treatment, with a particular emphasis on translational research aiming at bringing basic knowledge on medical practice. This approach will be continued in the 7th Framework Programme (2007-2013), together with a strengthened effort to improve the coordination of European cancer research, which is fragmented and in which EU action represents only a small part. EU cancer research will also be addressed within the reinforced efforts in the areas of pharmaceutical and technological developments as well as common aetiological mechanisms of diseases that the 7th Framework Programme will undertake.