"This new Code is based on the very latest scientific evidence. It is an important tool for cancer prevention for individuals, governments, health advisers, and policy-makers. It provides a foundation for creating healthy environments and adopting healthier lifestyles to prevent cancer," said John F. Ryan, acting Director of the Public Health Directorate, European Commission.

The Code emphasizes the importance of avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure as well as the benefits of maintaining a healthy body weight and being physically active. It also recommends participation in organized programmes for bowel, breast, and cervical cancer screening. This edition of the Code includes other important recommendations to reduce cancer risk, such as vaccination against human papillomavirus, breastfeeding, and limiting the use of hormone replacement therapy.

"The Code raises awareness of the critical role of prevention in the fight against cancer," says IARC Director Dr Christopher Wild. "By adopting the Code, all European citizens can take concrete actions for themselves, their friends and families to significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer."

The updated Code is the result of a project coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and co-financed by European Commission's Health Programme. It is the outcome of a two-year collaborative work between cancer specialists, scientists, and other experts from across the European Union.

For further information, please visit:
http://cancer-code-europe.iarc.fr/index.php/en/