The information on this site is subject to a disclaimer and a copyright notice . The programme contains 75 actions covering the areas of prevention, information and health education, training for health-care staff and cancer research. Many studies by eminent epidemiologists have shown that over three-quarters of the deaths caused by cancer are linked to external factors, with tobacco in first place. The risk of lung cancer is increased in non-smokers exposed to cigarette smoke.
Nutrition is another external factor causing cancer.
Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages, salt or certain food additives, overweight or inadequate consumption of certain fibre-rich foods can play a classic role in the development of certain cancers. Measures are planned to collate information regarding the links between nutrition and cancer, and to formulate recommendations for nutrition adapted to each category concerned. To protect and inform consumers, information campaigns, promotion of recommended foods and reports on pilot schemes are planned. In the agri-foodstuffs area, the harmonization of labelling and reinforced protection of the public against certain carcinogenic agents in foodstuffs have been initiated. The measures are designed to supplement these standards.