European Code against Cancer: Europe’s key cancer prevention tool in informing the general public how to reduce their cancer risk

Abstract

Abstract The European Code against Cancer (ECAC), launched in 1987 and after several periodical updates now used in its 4th edition published in 2014-15 in all official European languages, is a key cancer prevention tool that translates scientific evidence into unambiguous public health recommendations for the general public of how to reduce their risk of getting or dying from cancer. The 4th edition is the most comprehensive one, providing context and background information for a better understanding of the twelve recommendations. It is further supported by a recently launched self-learning course for health promoters, hosted in the E-Learning Center of Europe's leading network of cancer prevention research institutions: Cancer Prevention Europe (CPE). With an abundance of rather confusing “cancer news” the public receives through media and the Internet almost everyday, there is indeed a need for a reliable, authoritative and evidence-based information source for cancer prevention. For that reason, the ECAC recommendations follow three key scientific principles: it only recommends scientifically established actions for reducing cancer risk, its messages are relevant for a broader general public, and it communicates them in a non-scientific language so they are easy to follow. In 2020, IARC/WHO, CPE, Association of European Cancer Leagues and other ECAC stakeholders, have developed a roadmap for the ECAC's sustainability within the innovative Partnership on Action Against Cancer (iPAAC). This plan being essential towards achieving the 80% awareness goal, its main elements include a scientific revision, an expansion to include scientifically established successful interventions in cancer prevention on both individual and population levels, an expansion on the target groups encompassing health professionals and policymakers, and an outreach for synergies with other non-communicable diseases prevention strategies.