Towards systematic evaluation of the European Code Against Cancer. Dissemination of the Code in Poland

Cancer is one of the main causes of premature deaths worldwide. Because of that the aspect of prevention and treatment of cancer is a major public health issue. It is also a huge challenge for the healthcare system in Poland and other European countries.

In the 1980s the struggle with cancer in European population was recognized as one of the most important goals. That’s why on the initiative of the European Commission the European Code Against Cancer was created. Nowadays, the fourth version of the Code has been disseminated. The Code is a set of the twelve practical recommendations, which anyone can use without a need for special skills or the use of specialist advice. The evidence-based recommendations are promoting healthy lifestyle, healthy behaviours and above all, they concern actions aimed at reducing exposure to tens of carcinogens from tobacco smoke and carcinogens from other sources, changes in eating habits, increased physical activity, and increased knowledge of early cancer diagnosis and treatment.

One of the principal activities of the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) has been regularly monitoring the dissemination activities and knowledge on the Code in European countries. For example, dissemination of the Code in Poland within the National Cancer Control Programme in years 2006-2015 led to significant increase in people’s awareness and improvement in health behaviours. ECL’s venture and Polish experience lead to the statement that the Code is undoubtedly one of the most important and effective instrument in the fight against cancer in Europe.