IARC marks European Week Against Cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is marking European Week Against Cancer 2019 (25–31 May) by reminding people of the actions they can take to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

Although anyone can develop cancer and a few people are born with a high inherited risk of cancer, some people are at higher risk because of behavioural or environmental factors. These risk factors include tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, having an unhealthy diet, having a sedentary lifestyle, or being exposed to certain infections, radiation, or chemicals that cause cancer.

The fourth edition of the European Code Against Cancer, prepared by cancer specialists, scientists, and other experts from across the European Union in a project coordinated by IARC, informs people about actions they can take for themselves and their families to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

The 12 recommendations in the European Code Against Cancer are based on the best available scientific evidence. The more recommendations people follow, the lower their risk of cancer will be. It has been estimated that almost half of all deaths due to cancer in Europe could be avoided if everyone followed the recommendations.

Read the European Code Against Cancer