EVEN with strong motivations to reduce cancer risk, people in the EU experience several barriers that can make preventative behaviours difficult to sustain, a 2026 multicounty qualitative study coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer found.
These included low health literacy, misinformation, the cost of healthy food, limited time available because of work and family responsibilities, social norms around behaviours such as alcohol consumption, and difficulties accessing preventive healthcare services such as screening programmes.
Factors that support cancer preventive behaviours were, for example, early health education, supportive social networks, clear public health messaging, enabling policies such as smoke-free laws, and accessible and equitable health services.
This follows IARC’s recent analysis concluding that up to four in 10 cancer cases worldwide are preventable.
European Code Against Cancer
The European Code Against Cancer, an IARC-led initiative, co-funded by the European Commission and IARC, provides evidence-based recommendations to help the public reduce their cancer risk.
The study was conducted across nine EU countries and involved more than 140 adults aged 18-65-years-old.
It explored how the public perceives cancer prevention advice and the factors that affect one’s ability to adopt preventive actions.
Whilst motivation to reduce cancer risk is prevalent, everyday structural and social barriers can make it difficult for Europeans to adopt preventative behaviours, researchers reported.
Ariadna Feliu, visiting scientist and lead author and co-principal investigator of the study, IARC, Lyon, France, said: “Many people want to take steps to reduce their cancer risk, but their ability to do so is often shaped by the environments in which they live and work.
“These findings highlight the importance of creating supportive environments that make health choices the easiest choice for everyone.”
Increasing Awareness of Cancer Prevention Strategies
Less than 25% of participants had heard of the European Code Against Cancer.
Researchers have emphasised the need to strengthen awareness of recommendations surrounding cancer prevention across the EU.
Carolina Espina, scientist and co-author and co-principal investigator of the study, IARC, Lyon, France, said: “The European Code Against Cancer provides practical, evidence-based actions that people can take to reduce their cancer risk.
“This study helps us better understand how people experience prevention in their daily lives and how we can strengthen the awareness and adoption of these recommendations across the European Union.”
Featured image: pandaclub23 on Adobe Stock
