The European Code Against Cancer 5th edition: development, methodology and innovations

Abstract The European Code Against Cancer, 5th edition (ECAC5), coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), provides up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations to support cancer prevention across the European Union. Building on the legacy of previous editions, the newly published 5th edition introduces new elements that reflect current scientific evidence and public health priorities, and the growing importance of structural and policy-level action. This presentation will introduce ECAC5 and provide an overview of the development process and innovations of the 5th edition. It will describe the collaborative, multidisciplinary approach taken to ensure scientific rigour, inclusiveness, communication strategies and contextual relevance that involved over 80 European experts. Among the key innovations in ECAC5, the introduction of policy-level recommendations is of particular importance. Additionally, ECAC5 pays greater attention to equity, and connects cancer prevention advice with broader noncommunicable disease prevention. These elements will be briefly presented in this session to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of ECAC5's scope, structure, and relevance for public health practice and policy.