Overview
- An IARC-led analysis in Nature Medicine estimates about 38% of new cancers in 2022—roughly 7 million of 18.7 million cases—were attributable to modifiable causes, chiefly smoking, alcohol and infections.
- The updated European Code Against Cancer lists 14 evidence-based steps, including not using tobacco or e‑cigarettes, avoiding alcohol entirely, limiting red meat, skipping processed meat and sunbeds, staying active and maintaining healthy weight.
- The code elevates environmental and occupational exposures, urging radon checks, cleaner air through reduced traffic emissions and safer workplaces with protections from carcinogens.
- Prevention tools highlighted include HPV and hepatitis B vaccination for boys and girls, testing and treatment for hepatitis B and C, HIV and Helicobacter pylori, and regular cancer screening.
- German organizations cite about 520,000 new diagnoses in 2023 and press for stronger policies such as higher taxes on harmful products, improved worker protections and urban planning that reduces exposure to pollution.