3 February 2026 08:25 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission marks five years with updated Cancer Code

Key points

Revised European Code Against Cancer published
€2.7 billion invested under Europe's Beating Cancer Plan

TL;DR

European Commission unveiled a revised European Code Against Cancer ahead of World Cancer Day 2026, produced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer on behalf of the Commission.
The updated Code emphasizes lifestyle choices and public health measures including vaccination, cancer screening, breast-feeding, alcohol intake, ultra-processed food and air pollution.
The EU recorded an estimated 2.7 million new cancer cases and 1.3 million cancer-related deaths in 2024; cancer costs in Europe are estimated at €100 billion annually.

Original text

European Commission - Press release Commission marks five years of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan with strengthened actions to fight cancer Brussels, 3 February 2026 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 5 th 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. To launch the updated Code, the Commission is hosting a webinar that will bring together cancer experts, stakeholders and decision-makers to discuss how best to tackle cancer across the EU, and how to apply the Code in practice. For more information European Code Against Cancer | 14 ways to prevent cancer Register for the Webinar: #EUHPP Live Webinar: 5th European Code Against Cancer For the occasion of World Cancer Day Europe's Beating Cancer Plan IP/26/277 Quote(s): "World Cancer Day is a moment to reiterate our firm commitment to tackling this devastating disease and supporting those affected by it. Unlocking the Cancer Plan’s full potential will lead to strengthened prevention, early detection and better access to treatment regardless of geography or income. It also means strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy in the healthcare sector, accelerating research, supporting innovation and boosting investment. We have taken important steps in this direction and the path ahead is clear: we must keep working to better protect our citizens, through prevention, robust and streamlined health policies in the EU." Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare - 03/02/2026 Press contacts: Eva HRNCIROVA (+32 2 29 88433) Anna GRAY (+32 2 29 80873) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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European Commission marks five years with updated Cancer Code

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