The Fight Against Cancer Is a Team Sport: The Role of Education and Sport

This document summarises the presentations and discussions taking place at the workshop organised by Policy Department A of DG Internal Policies of the European Parliament on the role of education and sport in the fight against cancer, held at the European Parliament in Brussels in July 2016.

The aim of the workshop for the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety was to provide background information and highlight ways in which sport and physical activity can be promoted to help reduce the overall impact of cancer.

Firstly the scientific evidence for the link between physical (in)activity and cancer was presented. Risk reductions were discussed, as well as the risks of inactivity, followed by recommendations on improving activity levels. The evidence so far is strong for colon, breast and endometrial cancers.

Secondly the focus was on policy initiatives to fight against cancer through education, sport, and physical activity, with discussions on strategies and actions of the European Commission and the WHO.

Finally, presentations were given by organisations set up to promote activity during or after cancer treatments, along with recommendations to prevent cancer.

European Parliament: Directorate-General for Internal Policies of the Union: Publications available via the EU Bookshop http://bookshop.europa.eu/en/directorate-general-for-internal-policies-of-the-union-cbf.cKABstF7wAAAEjwYYY4e5K/

European Parliament: European Parliamentary Research Service: Study, November 2016: The Fight Against Cancer Is a Team Sport: The Role of Education and Sport http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/587334/IPOL_STU(2016)587334_EN.pdf

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