UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: Diet, nutrition and other lifestyle factors are determinants of cancer risk. Application of scientific knowledge will reduce cancer rates, but achieving individual and societal behaviour change is challenged by unique national, cultural, economic and political factors.

Since the landmark WCRF/AICR expert report, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, was published, significant evidence has accrued, including studies on physical activity and cancer as well as cancer survivorship. Standards for synthesising evidence have become more refined and the need for current evidence-based public policy recommendations is as great as ever.

WCRF/AICR is preparing a second report to address these issues, from comprehensive scientific analysis to practical application to reduced cancer rates.

Methods: WCRF/AICR developed a new methodology, a unique specification for systematic literature reviews using advice from an expert task force, to best assimilate the dietary evidence relating to cancer. These reviews are currently being performed in the USA and Europe, covering all the major cancer sites where diet, nutrition or physical activity has been implicated.

The reviews are being presented to a panel of international experts, who will interpret the evidence and develop global health and policy recommendations for the prevention of cancer.

WCRF/AICR will share these findings (via online technology, publications, translations, conferences, seminars, education programmes), thus enabling organisations to develop cancer prevention strategies.

Results: The new report, to be published in autumn 2007, will be the most comprehensive and authoritative analysis in the field, contributing to practical prevention strategies and the reduction of cancer rates.