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Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and partner institutions examine the possible co-benefits of climate change mitigation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on primary cancer prevention in Europe, in a new Commentary published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The researchers describe potential synergies that climate-friendly actions may have with reducing cancer risk, based on the 4th edition of the European Code Against Cancer for recommendations on cancer prevention and the breakthroughs for climate change mitigation in the 2030 Climate Solutions Implementation Roadmap from the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions. Specifically, the authors focus on impacts that could occur due to changes related to air pollution, body weight, diet and meat consumption, levels of physical activity, and sun-seeking behaviour.
From a European perspective, there are many known cancer-causing agents or unhealthy lifestyle behaviours that might be altered by climate change in ways that would lead to an increase in the cancer burden. Campaigns combining climate change mitigation and cancer prevention could encourage individuals, community groups, and policy-makers to implement measures to counter global warming that will also promote a world where fewer people develop cancer.
Schüz J, Soerjomataram I, Foerster M, Langselius O, Rohrmann S, Vineis P, et al.
Climate change mitigation and synergies with primary cancer prevention in Europe: time to implement opportunities
J Natl Cancer Inst. Published online 16 July 2025;
https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djaf182
