German cancer aid
Bonn/Heidelberg (ots)
Just in time for World Cancer Day, the updated, fifth edition of the European Code against Cancer is available in German. The code is published by the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and contains 14 scientifically based recommendations for action that people can use to reduce their personal risk of cancer. For the first time, the code also includes concrete recommendations for action for political decision-makers. The German Cancer Aid and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) demand that Germany align its prevention policy more closely with the WHO recommendations in order to exploit the potential of cancer prevention.
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. hc Michael Baumann, board member of the DKFZ: “In 2023 alone, around 520,000 people in Germany were diagnosed with cancer. Two out of five of these diseases could have been prevented through health-conscious behavior. Many of the fates could be prevented or significantly mitigated through prevention and early detection. The European Code against Cancer bundles scientifically proven recommendations and is therefore an indispensable instrument for everyone who wants to actively protect their health. We very much welcome the fact that the Code now also makes politicians responsible for the first time.”
Gerd Nettekoven, board member of the German Cancer Aid: “Cancer prevention is more than an individual task. There is a need for legislation that creates healthy living spaces for everyone. Prevention and health promotion must therefore be a central component of political strategies. The knowledge is there – we must finally use the enormous prevention potential! We never tire of calling on politicians to take action. This would benefit everyone and society as a whole.”
IARC tightens previous prevention recommendations
A cancer-preventing lifestyle includes, among other things, avoiding tobacco, a balanced diet, regular exercise, a healthy body weight and protection from UV radiation. The IARC has expanded or tightened some recommendations: The code now also warns against the consumption of e-cigarettes and vapes. The authors also recommend completely avoiding alcohol and using solariums.
Expansion to 14 recommendations
Instead of twelve, the code now includes 14 recommendations for action that help people reduce their risk of cancer. For the first time, the IARC has included environmental pollution as a factor. The code recommends, for example, getting around by bus and train, as well as on foot and by bicycle, instead of using the car, or avoiding indoor fireplaces.
Two separate recommendations are aimed at women. The following applies to young mothers: Breastfeeding for as long as possible reduces the risk of breast cancer. Women with menopausal symptoms should only use hormone replacement therapy after consulting a doctor and for as short a time as necessary.
The state has a responsibility to promote healthy behavior
In the fifth edition, the IARC is explicitly addressing politics for the first time with the Cancer Code. She calls for effective legal measures to make healthy decisions in everyday life easier. These include, among other things, higher taxes on tobacco and nicotine products, alcohol, high-sugar foods and highly processed meat. In addition, information campaigns are intended to strengthen the health literacy of the population.
The IARC also sees a central state responsibility when it comes to vaccination protection. It recommends expanding vaccination programs against hepatitis B and human papilloma viruses. In addition, policymakers must ensure better occupational health and safety measures, especially for people who work outdoors or with carcinogenic substances. Smart urban planning should also improve air quality, for example by not building schools and daycare centers on busy streets.
The fifth edition of the European Code against Cancer can be found in German from February 4, 2026 at: https://cancer-code-europe.iarc.who.int/
Press contact:
German cancer aid
Press office
Buschstr. 32
53113 Bonn
Telephone: 02 28/7 29 90-96
Email: presse@krebshilfe.de
Internet: www.krebshilfe.de
Original content from: German Cancer Aid, transmitted by news aktuell
