To launch the European Week Against Cancer (EWAC) 2023, ECL is teaming up with the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) in an online event exploring the complex link between weight and cancer.

Body weight results from a complex web of factors, both on individual and systemic level. Scientific evidence shows how weight plays a key role in the prevention and control of chronic diseases, including cancer. This is why the European Code Against Cancer encourages taking action to keep one’s body weight within certain ranges, as a way to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Nonetheless, a healthy body weight is too often considered as merely the result of individual choices. Furthermore, the link between weight and cancer in particular remains poorly understood, communicated and addressed by health advocates, workers and policymakers alike. As a result, individuals and communities often lack adequate knowledge and tools that could foster action in support of health-promoting food and build healthy environments, and therefore improve cancer prevention and ;

With this event, we will bring together a wide range of stakeholders to explore the link between weight and cancer. We will discuss barriers and facilitators for effective communication and action on obesity and the synergies to be sought to improve cancer prevention and control in Europe.