Brussels, 04/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - Although significant progress has been made in cancer research, this disease continues to be the cause of death for more than one million people every year throughout the world. On World Cancer Day on 4 February, the European Commission pointed out that the disease remained one of the major public health challenges at the very time that an ageing population would suggest that cases of this disease would increase. Commissioner for Health Tonio Borg, however, pointed out that a number of good practices could help to reduce risk: “One out of every three cases of cancer can be avoided by making healthy choices… It is not easy taking the time to do exercise, avoid alcohol or stop smoking. Nonetheless, these efforts pay off and can make the difference… Prevention is the most cost-effective strategy for reducing the burden on European societies”. Borg announced on 4 February that the European Code against Cancer providing recommendations that allow citizens to take preventive measures linked to lifestyle would be revised. The commissioner also said that of course cancer could strike the healthiest and fittest citizens, which was why the Commission would continue to help member states improve diagnosis and care for the millions of Europeans suffering from cancer. (IL/transl.fl)