Brussels, 19/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner David Byrne welcomed the adoption of a revised version of the European Code against Cancer during a conference held at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan. The Code places emphasis on: (1) adopting a healthier lifestyle and combating tobacco consumption; and (2) the development of screening programmes for breast, cervix and colorectal cancer. "This Code is a set of concise and easy-to-remember recommendations written in simple language and backed up by solid scientific evidence. It gives the citizens of Europe two very clear messages: - certain cancers may be avoided - and health in general can be improved - by adopting healthier lifestyles; and cancers may be cured, or the prospects of cure greatly increased, if they are detected early", Mr Byrne said, unreservedly backing the goal of reducing the number of deaths by 20% by 2015. The number of deaths due to cancer in the Union would thus be reduced by 300,000 each year. Mr Byrne promised to collaborate with all the parties interested in order to achieve this goal.