Diet, body weight, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and breastfeeding are modifiable factors influencing the cancer burden in the European Union, shaped by underlying social, environmental and behavioural conditions. Obesity has reached epidemic levels, strongly driven by the widespread intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods, which are rich in sugar, fat and salt. Consumption of red and processed meat also commonly exceeds dietary recommendations. Physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behaviour are widespread. Breastfeeding rates vary widely across Europe but are generally low, particularly in high-income countries.
To reduce cancer risk, the European Code Against Cancer, fifth edition, recommends a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits, while limiting red meat and avoiding processed meat. Intake of vegetables, legumes and fruits prevents aerodigestive tract cancers, while diets high in whole grains and low in red and processed meat reduce colorectal cancer risk. Avoiding excess body weight through diet and physical activity, and limiting prolonged sitting, decreases the risk of numerous cancers. Promoting and supporting sustained breastfeeding contributes to lowering breast cancer risk. Key policy interventions, such as fiscal incentives, urban planning, marketing restrictions and public awareness campaigns, are central to creating supportive environments for cancer prevention.
LEITZMANN Michael F.;
BAKOGIANNI Ioanna;
ANDERSON Annie S.;
BAULD Linda;
FERNANDEZ Esteve;
MORRIS Sherry;
SROUR Bernard;
VARDAVAS Constantine;
VLAD Ioana;
VUIK Sabine;
WEIJENBERG Matty;
ROQUÉ I FIGULS Marta;
RIGAU David;
FELIU Ariadna;
ZEEB Hajo;
SCHÜZ Joachim;
D’SOUZA Erica;
RITCHIE David;
ESPINA Carolina;
RIBOLI Elio;
2026-01-27
WILEY
JRC142846
1878-0261 (online),
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41542809/,
https://doi.org/10.1002/1878-0261.70201,
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC142846,
10.1002/1878-0261.70201 (online),
