European Code against Cancer

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European Code against Cancer – Preventing Cancer

In relation to the ever-growing number of people suffering from cancer, the European Union has implemented a programme called “Europe against cancer” aimed at increasing the public awareness of risk factors involved in the development of cancer. Recommendations proposed by the European Commission in colaboration with some leading oncologists, researchers and other experts are part of the European Code against Cancer, and their 4^th revision was adopted in October 2014. The code is intended primarily to promote prevention of cancer and to reduce its incidence. Simultaneously, it encourages a lifestyle change that will lead to an overall improvement in health.

EUROPEAN CODE AGAINST CANCER

(Adopted from: Onconet.cz)

12 ways to reduce your cancer risk:

1.	Do not smoke. Do not use any form of tobacco.
2.	Make your home smoke free. Support smoke-free policies in your workplace.
3.	Take action to be a healthy body weight.
4.	Be physically active in everyday life. Limit the time you spend sitting.
5.	Have a healthy diet: Eat plenty of whole grains, pulses, vegetables and fruits. Limit high-calories food (foods high in sugar or fat) and avoid sugary drinks. Avoid processed meat; limit red meat and foods high in salt.
6.	If you drink alcohol of any type, limit your intake. Not drinking alcohol is better for cancer prevention.
7.	Avoid too much sun, especially for children. Use sun protection. Do not use sunbeds.
8.	In the workplace, protect yourself against cancer-causing substances by following health and safety instructions.
9.	Find out if you are exposed to radiation from naturally high randon levels in your home. Take action to reduce high randon levels.
10.	For women: Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s cancer risk. If you can, breasfeed your baby. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of certain cancers. Limit use of HRT.
11.	Ensure your children take part in vaccination programmes for: Hepatitis B (for newborns) Human papilloma virus (HPV) (for girls).
12.	Take part in organised cancer screening programmes for: Bowel cancer (men and women) Breast cancer (women) Cervical cancer (women)