Introduction examines variations in the distribution of preventable burden to provide insights into pressing challenges and where health gains can be made. It is intended that the findings from this report will assist UEG in accelerating progress in reducing the burden of digestive disorders, and in identifying priority areas where research and investment are required. By examining changes in the burden of digestive disorders and the determinants of this burden across UEG member countries, it is also hoped that the report will be of interest to others, including UEG national society members as well as policymakers. Aims and objectives The overarching aim of the report is to provide an international comparative analysis of the public health burden of digestive diseases and cancers, and an assessment of the economic impact of digestive diseases amongst UEG member countries. The objectives are: * To describe the public health burden of digestive diseases and cancers across UEG member countries, using measures of incidence, prevalence, mortality and disabilityadjusted life years, examining changes over time and differences by sex and age. * To assess the proportion of burden attributable to modifiable risk factors. * To investigate the relationship between the level of human development and burden of digestive diseases and cancers amongst European UEG member countries. * To conduct an economic impact assessment by estimating measures of indirect and inpatient health service delivery costs associated with digestive diseases across Europe. The structure of the report and the following chapters are organised in accordance with these objectives. White Book 2: Part 1 2