Ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the European Commission has unveiled an update of the European Code Against Cancer. The revised Code sets out practical ways to help prevent the disease and is the result of four years of work by over 60 European public health experts. The guidance is based on scientific evidence and is tailored to the EU population and health systems.

The revised Code puts strong focus on lifestyle choices and public health measures to reduce cancer risks, covering issues such as vaccination, cancer screening, breast-feeding, alcohol intake, so-called ultra-processed food and air pollution, among others. The updated Code was produced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer on behalf of the Commission.

Cancer is a significant public health challenge in the EU, with an estimated 2.7 million new cancer cases and 1.3 million cancer-related deaths occurring in 2024. Beyond the emotional toll cancer puts on the everyday lives of millions of people and their loved ones, cancer also has considerable economic consequences, estimated at €100 billion a year in Europe. Furthermore, the risks for cancer are often the same for other non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. The Code and the Safe Hearts Plan are therefore mutually supportive to reach their goals and support the health of European citizens. For example, an estimated 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes, and 40% of cancer cases could be prevented by addressing risk factors identified in the Code.

World Cancer Day 2026 also marks the 5th anniversary of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, which has had a significant positive impact across Europe. Under the Plan, more than €2.7 billion has been invested in actions to improve prevention, early detection, treatment and care across Europe, as well as to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. The Commission now works with almost 630 organisations under the Cancer Plan. Together with the EU Cancer Mission, the Plan also helps deepen our understanding of - and strengthen scientific research into - what drives cancer, be that biological processes, risk factors or health determinants.