Eurocadet is a 6th Framework EC project aiming to contribute to the prevention of cancer in Europe by:

• studying the diversity within Europe in cancer risk factor prevalence and cancer occurrence
• identifying effective preventive strategies and
• making estimations of the effects of successful implementation of effective strategies

In order to make the estimations, we:

• Determined the prevalence of major lifestyle determinants of cancer
• Determined the quantitative impact of socio-economic determinants on cancer incidence
• Investigated how the socio-economic status contributes to (un)healthy behaviour
• Assessed the possibilities to reduce unhealthy behaviour by
  - reviewing evidence of effectiveness of interventions and policies
  - identifying barriers to implementation in Europe
• Estimated the future burden of cancer across Europe based on various scenarios
  
  

Key determinants
We will estimate the prevalence and impact of the following determinants of cancer:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Fruit and vegetable consumption
• Overweight
• Physical (in)activity
• Socio-economic determinants of health and health-related behaviour

Cancers under study:
Eurocadet will focus mainly on cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, lung, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, colo-rectum, bladder, kidney, breast and endometrium.

Socio-economic factors
Socio-economic factors are important determinants of people’s (un)healthy behaviour and seeking early diagnosis. Unhealthy behaviours are often more common amongst lower socio-economic groups, although most interventions are more effective among the more affluent part of the population.
The study of risk factors and incidence of specific cancer sites by socio-economic level will identify specific sub-groups of the population needing special attention.

Future burden
Based on observed trends in the past and information on relative risks and prevalence of risk factors (key determinants), scenarios on the future burden of cancer across Europe are made.