European Code of Cancer Practice: Translations & Resources

The European Code of Cancer Practice (The Code) is a citizen and patient-centred accessible, widely disseminated statement of the core requirements for good clinical cancer practice, in order to improve outcomes for all of Europe’s cancer patients. It has been co-produced by a team of cancer professionals, cancer patients and patient advocates.

While it is intended that The Code will be of value to a wide audience of citizens, patients and healthcare professionals, it is focussed on informing and assisting cancer patients (paediatric, adolescent and adult) at all stages of their cancer journey. The Code sets out a series of 10 key overarching rights, and in particular signposts what patients should expect from their health system, in order for them to achieve the best possible outcomes. It is an empowerment tool and a resource to ensure the best available care is delivered for European citizens and patients.

Each of the 10 overarching rights is linked to three questions that a patient (or for paediatric patients their parent/guardian) may choose to ask their healthcare professionals. Each right is supported by a short section of Explanation (one page, <500 words) which is intended to be accessible to cancer patients and to all other interested parties including citizens, carers, parents/guardians, advocates and healthcare professionals. The rights are based on the best available medical evidence and this is summarised in a supporting paper on the Medical Literature and Evidence upon which the recommendations of The Code are based.

Cancer prevention and screening are a vital and cost-effective part of any initiative to control many cancers and reduce the number of deaths from cancer across Europe. The European Code of Cancer Practice therefore complements the European Code Against Cancer which identifies the twelve key steps that all European citizens should take to reduce their risk of cancer. For more information about the European Code Against Cancer visit the website of the Association of European Cancer Leagues here.

The Code is made available through the European Cancer Organisation. Each of the 10 overarching rights have been translated into different European languages and made available in hard copy and online here. The Medical Literature and Evidence Supporting Paper is also available online here.

The Code and supporting material are “living documents” which will be constantly revised to ensure that they capture the most up-to-date requirements of European citizens and patients, supported by a comprehensive and balanced insight into the existing and emerging evidence that supports the Codes. In this way, the Code will not only function as a support and advisory document for a wide range of individuals and organisations, but also become the focus of constant critical appraisal and updating of the evidence base that will be essential to underpin continuing improvements in outcomes for Europe’s cancer patients.