It is estimated that between 30% and 50% of all cancers can be prevented by changing lifestyle habits
World Cancer Day is marked on 4 February, with the aim of encouraging action on cancer prevention and treatment measures worldwide. The global campaign under the slogan “United by Unique” highlights that behind every diagnosis there is a one-of-a-kind human story—an individual with specific fears, social circumstances, and life conditions.
The four main cancer sites
According to World Health Organization estimates from 2022, 20 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and 9.7 million people die from the disease. More than 70% of cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
According to European Commission country cancer reports (2025) for EU countries, half of all cancer cases involve four main sites: colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. Regarding risks and prevention, positive trends are visible in reduced smoking and alcohol consumption. However, excess body weight and obesity are an increasing problem. More than half of adults in the EU are overweight.
Adopting healthy habits, such as not smoking, avoiding alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet, and being physically active, reduces not only the risk of cancer, but also the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. It is estimated that between 30% and 50% of all cancers can be prevented by changing lifestyle habits.
Did you know about cancer?
Between 50% and 90% of skin cancer cases are caused by excessive exposure to sunlight.
Around 95% of people who died from lung cancer were smokers, according to data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ). Smoking also contributes to the development of cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, bronchi, digestive system, prostate, kidneys, breast, cervix, and more.
Experts note that 30–60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 30–40% compared to a sedentary lifestyle.
European Code Against Cancer – how to reduce your risk
The European Code Against Cancer consists of 14 recommendations based on current scientific evidence on personal behavioural factors, environmental factors, and medical interventions. The Code is intended for individuals and policymakers, and provides a roadmap for reducing cancer risk, addressing misconceptions about cancer, and improving public health and wellbeing.
1. Do not smoke. Do not use any form of tobacco or vaping products.
2. Do not allow smoking in your home or car. Support smoke-free policies at work.
3. Maintain a healthy body weight. Take steps to avoid or control overweight and obesity:
– limit foods high in calories, sugar, fat, and salt
– limit sugary drinks; mostly drink water and unsweetened beverages
– limit ultra-processed foods
Obesity is linked to many malignant diseases, including prostate cancer.
4. Be physically active in everyday life. Limit the time you spend sitting.
5. Eat a healthy diet. Make whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruit the main part of your daily diet. Limit red meat and avoid processed meat.
6. Avoid alcohol. If you drink alcohol of any kind, do so in moderation. Not drinking alcohol reduces cancer risk.
7. Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s cancer risk. Breastfeed your child for as long as possible. Breastfeeding benefits both mother and child.
8. Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially for children. Use sun protection. Do not use sunbeds.
9. Follow health and safety instructions at work to protect yourself from cancer-causing substances. Learn about workplace cancer risks and ask your employer to protect you. Always follow workplace health and safety guidance.
10. Find out if you are exposed to radiation from naturally high radon levels in your home. Seek professional help to measure levels and reduce them if necessary.
11. Take steps to reduce exposure to air pollution:
– use public transport and walk or cycle instead of driving
– choose low-traffic routes when walking, cycling, or exercising
– keep your home smoke-free, avoid burning materials such as coal or wood
– support policies that improve air quality
12. Protect yourself against infections that can cause cancer. Include your children in vaccination programmes against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV). Hepatitis B or C viruses are linked to liver cancer, and HPV to cervical cancer. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of stomach cancer—get tested.
13. Hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of certain cancers. If, after a thorough discussion with your healthcare professional, you decide to use HRT for menopause symptoms, limit its use to the shortest possible duration.
14. Take part in organised screening programmes for early cancer detection:
– colorectal cancer
– breast cancer
– cervical cancer
Remember: prevention is the best medicine. Book your preventive check-ups today at IMC Priora.
