title: European Code against Cancer 4th Edition: Infections and Cancer.
abstract: Of the 2,635,000 new cancer cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) occurring in the European Union (EU) in 2012, it is estimated that approximately 185,000 are related to infection with human papillomaviruses (HPVs), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Chronic infection with these agents can lead to cancers of the cervix uteri, liver, and stomach, respectively. Chronic infection with HCV can also lead to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to be of major public health importance in several EU countries and increases cancer risk via HIV-induced immunosuppression. The fourth edition of the European Code Against Cancer presents recommendations on effective and safe preventive interventions in order to reduce the risk of infection-related cancers in EU citizens. Based on current available evidence, the fourth edition recommends that parents ensure the participation of their children in vaccination programs against HBV (for newborns) and HPV (for girls). In the 'Questions and Answers' (Q&As) section about vaccination and infections in the website for the European Code Against Cancer, individuals who are at risk of chronic HBV or HCV are advised to seek medical advice about testing and obtaining treatment when appropriate. Individuals most at risk of HIV are advised to consult their doctor or healthcare provider to access counselling and, if needed, testing and treatment without delay. Information about H. pylori testing and treatment is also provided as testing might currently be offered in some high-risk areas in Europe. The rationale and supporting evidence for the recommendations on vaccination in the European Code Against Cancer, and for the main recommendations on vaccination and infection in the Q&As, are explained in the present review.
authors.affiliation: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Villain
authors.affiliation: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.affiliation: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France.
authors.forename: Maribel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Almonte
authors.affiliation: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Franceschi
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 12A, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 12A, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Joakim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dillner
authors.affiliation: Finnish Cancer Registry, Unioninkatu 22, FI-00130 Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Ahti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anttila
authors.affiliation: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France.
authors.forename: Jin Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France.
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: De Vuyst
authors.affiliation: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France. Electronic address: secretariat-cancer-code-iarc@iarc.fr.
authors.forename: Rolando
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Herrero
mesh_terms: D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Cancer vaccines; Cervical cancer; Europe; Gastric cancer; HIV; Helicobacter pylori; Hepatitis B vaccines; Hepatitis B/C treatments; Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); Human papillomavirus vaccines