The PIECES Study is progressing well in Spain, where a number of institutions are actively using the Primary Cancer Prevention Implementation Toolkit (PCP‑IT) to address different cancer risk factors. This online, modular toolkit helps teams choose, adapt, and plan primary cancer prevention programmes that suit their local settings and population needs. Alongside Spain, teams in the Netherlands, Albania, the United Kingdom, Italy, Ukraine, Germany, and Ireland are also applying the toolkit in diverse real‑world contexts.
In Spain, implementation teams are active in hospitals, occupational health units, and universities. Their work focuses on three key cancer risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, and sun exposure. Using the evidence‑based programmes available in the PIECES Repository—an essential part of the PCP‑IT—hospitals are incorporating prevention initiatives into their staff occupational health services, while universities are developing awareness activities to help students reduce UV exposure.
Experiences with PCP‑IT: What Spanish Teams Are Saying
Spanish implementers have reported that the toolkit has been particularly helpful in several ways. One recurring theme is the value of learning from practical examples. Access to case studies and programmes from other countries and institutions has given teams ideas they can adapt to their own contexts.
The toolkit has also sparked motivation and creativity. By presenting a variety of approaches and experiences, PCP‑IT has helped teams look at familiar challenges from new angles and encouraged them to explore innovative solutions.
Another strength frequently mentioned is the clear structure of the toolkit. Its modular format guides teams step by step, helping them organise their work, plan activities in a logical order, and keep their implementation efforts on track.
Finally, teams have found that PCP‑IT makes the implementation process run more smoothly. By simplifying planning and helping identify the right stakeholders to involve, the toolkit reduces uncertainty and supports more effective programme delivery.