Cancer remains one of the greatest public health challenges in Europe, with projections indicating a further increase in cases in the coming years. It is estimated that 1.3 million lives were lost to cancer in the European Union (EU) in 2022. New cancer diagnoses are expected to increase by around 18%, while cancer-related deaths are projected to rise by 26% by 2040. Recent estimates show that the total cost of cancer in the EU exceeds €93 billion annually.

In response to this reality, and on the occasion of 4 February, World Cancer Day, the 5th edition of the European Code Against Cancer has been released, emphasizing that prevention remains our strongest weapon. The European Code Against Cancer is a long-standing initiative of the European Commission and proposes a series of actions and interventions that individuals can adopt to help prevent cancer.

Its 5th edition, based on solid scientific evidence, is no longer addressed solely to citizens. For the first time, it also calls on policymakers to take an active role by shaping conditions that facilitate healthier choices and reduce cancer risk at the population level.

The Code includes 14 recommendations that can contribute to cancer prevention. As Professor Thanos Dimopoulos, Professor of Therapeutics, Hematology and Oncology, Director of the Therapeutics Clinic at Alexandra Hospital and former Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, told the Athens–Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA):

“The widespread adoption of these guidelines is particularly important, given that at least 40% of cancers can be prevented. Moreover, many chronic diseases—such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—are linked to similar risk factors as cancer. Therefore, the benefit can be multiplicative.”

The 14 Ways to Help Prevent Cancer

1. Smoking

Do not smoke. Do not use tobacco in any form, including vaping products.
If you smoke, you should quit. Specialized smoking cessation centers can help.

2. Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

Keep your home and car smoke-free.

3. Excess Weight and Obesity

• Limit foods high in calories, sugar, fat and salt.
• Reduce sugary drinks; drink mainly water and sugar-free beverages.
• Limit ultra-processed foods.

4. Physical Activity

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

5. Diet

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

6. Alcohol

Avoid alcoholic beverages.

7. Breastfeeding

Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible.

8. Sun Exposure

Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially for children.
Use sunscreen consistently.
The use of tanning beds is not recommended.

9. Occupational Cancer Risks

Be informed about cancer-causing factors at work and ask your employer to protect you.
Always follow health and safety instructions in your workplace.

10. Radon (Indoor Gas)

Learn about radon levels in your area by consulting the local radon map.
Seek professional help to measure levels in your home and reduce them if necessary.

11. Air Pollution

• Use public transport instead of cars.
• Walk or cycle using low-traffic routes.
• Keep your home smoke-free and avoid burning materials such as coal or wood.
• Support policies that improve air quality.

12. Cancer-Causing Infections

• Vaccinate girls and boys against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Get tested and treated, as recommended in your country, for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and Helicobacter pylori.

13. Hormone Replacement Therapy

If you decide to undergo hormone replacement therapy (for menopausal symptoms) after thorough discussion with your doctor, limit its use to the shortest possible duration.

14. Organized Cancer Screening Programs

• Colorectal cancer: men and women aged 50–69
• Breast cancer: women aged 45–74
• Cervical cancer: women aged 21–65
• Lung cancer: men and women aged 50–80 who are current or former smokers (within the last 15 years)