Launched in 1987, the Code translates the most updated scientific evidence into cancer prevention recommendations for individuals.  This year, and for the first time, the 5th edition of the European Code Against Cancer also integrates policy recommendations, alongside individual recommendations. 

14 ways you can help prevent cancer

The Code brings together 14 evidence-based recommendations addressing personal behaviours, environmental factors and medical interventions for the general population across the European Union. 

Personal behaviours include, for example, not smoking and using any nicotine products, including vaping. Another update in this edition is the recommendation to avoid alcohol consumption, rather than simply limiting it.  

Reducing our risk of developing cancer also involves adopting a healthy diet that avoids processed meat, limits red meat and is rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits. People should also avoid or manage overweight and obesity, by limiting food high in calories, sugar, fat and salt, ultra-processed foods and drinks high in sugar. 

Regular physical activity is also essential, as is using sunscreen to protect against harmful ultraviolet radiation.

The environment we live in is also key to our health. Air pollution is a major issue, contributing for example to lung cancer. This new edition adds the reduction of our exposure to air pollution as a standalone recommendation. Policies that improve air quality are therefore essential. At the individual level, people can choose to cycle or use low-traffic routes, and keep their homes free of smoke. 

The good news is that vaccination protects against infections that can cause cancer.  For this reason, vaccination of girls and boys against human papillomavirus and Hepatitis B is strongly recommended.

The recommendations were also expanded to include testing and treatment for other cancer-related infections: Hepatitis C virus, Human Immunodeficiency virus and Helicobacter pylori.

Finally, it is important not to forget that screening remains one of the most effective tools: the earlier cancer is detected, the more treatable, even curable, it is. Find out more about JRC work in the field of screening here.

See here the list of recommendations: 

© 2026 International Agency for Research on Cancer / WHO

Policy recommendations

For the first time, the European Code Against Cancer also includes complementary policy recommendations for each section.

The JRC helped shape these recommendations, based on its experience and evidence collected and presented through the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway.

Although these recommendations are primarily aimed at preventing cancer, many of them also help to prevent other non-communicable diseases, thereby supporting healthier lives and improved well-being. 

More info:
The ECAC is an initiative of the European Commission to inform people about key actions they can take for themselves or their families to reduce their risk of cancer and its consequences.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has coordinated the ECAC5 as part of the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, funded by the European Commission under the EU4Health programme. This 4-year project involved about 80 regional experts distributed in 5 working groups, the Scientific Committee, the Advocacy Group, and the IARC Secretariat in a multidisciplinary collaborative effort.