Prof. Kate Brain, a behavioural scientist at Cardiff University and CReSt Theme 6 lead for the Wales Cancer Research Centre (WCRC), is contributing to a major international initiative to reduce cancer risk across Europe through her involvement in the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO/IARC) project, the European Code Against Cancer 5th Edition (ECAC5).
Prof. Brain is a member of the WHO/IARC Expert Working Group on Communication and Health Literacy, chaired by Prof. Dame Theresa Marteau, Professor of Behaviour and Health at the University of Cambridge. The group has been working collaboratively to ensure that the new edition of the Code is accessible and effective in helping people across Europe understand and act on evidence-based cancer prevention messages.
Speaking about her role, Prof. Brain said:
“Although cancer is a leading cause of death in the UK and European Union, around 40% of cases are preventable. The European Code Against Cancer (ECAC) was developed by leading experts to increase public awareness of cancer risks and actions that can be taken to reduce risk. As a member of the IARC/WHO Expert Working Group on Health Literacy and Communication, it’s a privilege to represent Wales in this important international effort.”
The ECAC5 was recently presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Berlin (17–21 October 2025), where IARC scientists introduced its updated recommendations and discussed its significance for cancer prevention strategies across Europe. The new Code will be officially launched on World Cancer Day 2026, following translation into all EU languages.
In connection with this ongoing international collaboration, Prof. Dame Theresa Marteau will deliver a keynote address at the upcoming Wales Cancer Research Conference, titled “The development and evaluation of interventions to change behaviour to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.” Her talk will explore the role of behavioural science and communication in advancing cancer prevention and improving public health outcomes.
The European Code Against Cancer 5th Edition can be accessed here.
For more information about the Wales Cancer Research Centre and its work in cancer prevention and early diagnosis, visit our website.