European Code Against Cancer 5th edition: 14 ways you can help prevent cancer

Abstract

Despite the growing cancer burden in the European Union, public awareness of effective prevention is low. In response, Europe's Beating Cancer Plan has supported the development of the 5th edition of the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC5). Using a transparent, stepwise decision-making process, around 80 experts reviewed the latest scientific evidence on cancer prevention and used modern communication strategies to update the previous edition. An innovation in ECAC5 is the inclusion of population-level recommendations, aiming to structurally influence the systems that shape individual choices and improve environmental conditions to which all citizens are involuntarily exposed. ECAC5 includes 14 actionable, evidence-based recommendations for individuals to reduce their cancer risk alongside their respective policy recommendations. All are presented through equity lens, with attention to co-benefits for preventing other non-communicable diseases and tailoring messages to diverse audiences. Clear evidence-based statements on cancer risks factors and effective preventive interventions will empower citizens to make healthier choices, call policymakers to act, foster public support for effective policies, and contribute to more effective cancer prevention.