The Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer, with Dr Carolina Espina

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) launched the 1st edition of the Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer on 17 October 2023. This new Code, which forms part of the World Code Against Cancer Framework, aims to help reduce the burden of cancer in the region by providing recommendations based on the most recent scientific evidence.
The development of this Code represents a collaborative effort between IARC and PAHO, working with a large group of scientific experts from the region, to review the evidence and make recommendations on how best to prevent cancer. The Latin American and Caribbean Society of Medical Oncology (SLACOM), the Association of Ibero-American Leagues Against Cancer (ALICC), the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, and amigo_h (Amigos Einstein da Oncologia e Hematologia) are civil society organizations, which are collaborating with the lead agencies on the dissemination of the Code within the region.
The Code describes actions and interventions that are proven to lower cancer-related incidence and mortality, including policies on preventing tobacco use and reducing alcohol consumption; limiting exposure to carcinogens, such as air pollution; preventing and/or treating infections related to cancer; and promoting medical interventions and screening. The Code also includes recommendations for policy-makers and governments on creating enabling environments that support the uptake and implementation of the guidance outlined in the Code. The recommendations are aligned with the World Health Organization cost-effective interventions for noncommunicable diseases, known as the “best buys”, as well as the cancer prevention strategies promoted by PAHO.