Every year, 3.2m Europeans are diagnosed with cancer - the most common cause of death after heart disease. Most widespread are cancers of the lungs, breast and colon. On World Cancer Day, most EU countries have featured information campaigns about the disease.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Europe. The number of cancer cases is increasing as the European population ages. In addition to the serious implications to health, cancer also represents a heavy economic burden on society. Thus, most EU countries have a strategy for bringing down mortality rates.

For its part, the EU plans to cut cancer rates by 15% by 2020, according to the Communication on a European Partnership for Action Against Cancer issued by the European Commision in June 2009, and is attacking cancer on two fronts - by encouraging a healthy lifestyle and funding research into cancer treatments.

The European code against cancer has 11 practical, science-based tips to help people stay healthy and reduce their risk of developing any form of cancer. Ideas include brisk, physical exercise every day and drinking no more than one (women) or two (men) alcoholic drinks per day.

Scientists, doctors and patients' groups are working together within the European Partnership for Action Against Cancer, an organism launched in 2009 to support Member States and other stakeholders in their efforts to tackle cancer more efficiently by providing a framework for identifying and sharing information, capacity and expertise in cancer prevention and control. Funding from the EU helps them in their labour.

While scientists have made giant strides in treating cancer, the huge number of people still losing their battle with the disease highlights the need for further research. Between 2002 and 2006, the EU channelled €480m into cancer research, funding 108 individual projects. In 2007-13, the figure will be even higher.