The European Code Against Cancer

The European Code Against Cancer, 5th edition (ECAC5) consists of 14 recommendations based on current scientific evidence on personal behavioural factors, environmental factors, and medical interventions, specific to the general population in the EU. For the first time, ECAC5 is aimed not only at individuals but also at policy-makers, including 14 complementary recommendations on population-level measures that may reinforce the recommendations for individuals. These recommendations provide co-benefits to prevent other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with similar underlying risk factors, and opportunities for health promotion. Together, the ECAC5 recommendations provide a roadmap to reduce cancer risk, tackle misconceptions about cancer, and improve public health and well-being.

14 ways to reduce your cancer risk

14 ways to prevent cancer

1. Smoking

Do not smoke. Do not use any form of tobacco, or vaping products. If you smoke, you should quit.

2. Exposure to other people's tobacco smoke

Keep your home and car free of tobacco smoke.

3. Overweight and obesity

Take action to avoid or manage overweight and obesity:

  • Limit food high in calories, sugar, fat, and salt.
  • Limit drinks high in sugar. Drink mostly water and unsweetened drinks.
  • Limit ultra-processed foods.

4. Physical activity

Be physically active in everyday life. Limit the time you spend sitting.

5. Diet

Eat whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits as a major part of your daily diet. Limit red meat, and avoid processed meat.

6. Alcohol

Avoid alcoholic drinks.

7. Breastfeeding

Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible.

8. Sun exposure

Avoid too much sun exposure, especially for children. Use sun protection. Never use sunbeds.

9. Cancer-causing factors at work

Inform yourself about cancer-causing factors at work, and call on your employer to protect you against them. Always follow health and safety instructions at your workplace.

10. Indoor radon gas

Inform yourself about radon gas levels in your area by checking a local radon map. Seek professional help to measure levels in your home and, if necessary, reduce them.

11. Air pollution

Take action to reduce exposure to air pollution by:

  • Using public transportation, and walking or cycling instead of using a car.
  • Choosing low-traffic routes when walking, cycling, or exercising.
  • Keeping your home free of smoke by not burning materials such as coal or wood.
  • Supporting policies that improve air quality.

12. Cancer-causing infections

  • Vaccinate girls and boys against hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus (HPV) at the age recommended in your country.
  • Take part in testing and treatment for hepatitis B and C viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Helicobacter pylori, as recommended in your country.

13. Hormone replacement therapy

If you decide to use hormone replacement therapy (for menopausal symptoms) after a thorough discussion with your health-care professional, limit its use to the shortest duration possible.

14. Organized cancer screening programmes

Take part in organized cancer screening programmes, as recommended in your country, for:

  • Bowel cancer.
  • Breast cancer.
  • Cervical cancer.
  • Lung cancer.

The European Code Against Cancer focuses on actions that individuals can take to help prevent cancer.
Successful cancer prevention requires that these individual actions are supported by government policies and actions.
Learn more about the European Code Against Cancer — click the arrows to view the corresponding policy recommendations (in English only): http://cancer-code-europe.iarc.fr