The European Code Against Cancer – new evidence and recommendations

Abstract

Cancer is a major public health concern in the European Union (EU). There were 2.7 million new cancer cases and 1.3 million deaths in the EU; of them, around 40% could be prevented. Primary prevention is the most cost-effective long-term strategy for cancer control. The European Code Against Cancer (ECAC, 4 th edition) is a health education tool aimed at raising awareness about evidence-based cancer prevention actions among EU citizens. The ECAC describes 12 ways individuals can reduce their cancer risk. Awareness of the ECAC (4 th ed.) was low (2–21%) and, therefore, efforts are needed to improve cancer prevention awareness throughout the region. Civil society and other stakeholders’ engagement is key to improve cancer prevention in the region. Our aim is to propose recommendations to improve future ECAC editions to achieve an increase in cancer prevention literacy in the EU.