Our policy goals
The WCRF global network’s research programmes provide a sound evidence base for the types of changes that need to happen to help people reduce their cancer risk.
The WCRF/AICR Continuous Update Project (CUP), Second Expert Report and Policy Report set out clear recommendations for the prevention of cancer through food, nutrition, physical activity and weight management.
Our policy and advocacy position statement
WCRF International leads on a number of policy and advocacy projects on behalf of the WCRF global network.
Our policy position statement sets out a clear framework for our activities.
Cancer is a largely preventable disease. The prevention of cancer is a crucial global health priority and is as important as early diagnosis, screening and treatment. Awareness of the links between food, nutrition, physical activity and body fatness and cancer should be considered as important as the link between smoking and cancer.
The WCRF global network’s overarching policy goal is to influence policy at all levels of society to impact positively on cancer prevention throughout the world.
We work towards this goal by:
- Using our evidence-based Policy Report: Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention as a basis for activities
- Drawing on the scientific evidence-base from our CUP and Second Expert Report: Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective
- Holding other groups with a societal responsibility to account for their policies and actions on food, nutrition, and physical activity
- Mobilising the media and public opinion in support of improved public health, including healthy nutrition, sustained physical activity, and the prevention of cancer
- Working in partnership with like-minded civil society organisations
- Advocating traditional healthy cultures and ways of life.
How we influence
WCRF International works to influence policy in a number of ways, including:
- Engaging world leaders and raising awareness of the changes that can help people make healthier choices to reduce their cancer risk
- Responding to consultations and calls for evidence that relate to food, nutrition, physical activity, e.g., World Health Organization (WHO) consultations
- Chairing an expert global working group on nutrition, physical activity and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention
- Supporting the work of the NCD Alliance as a member of its Common Interest Group of civil society organisations committed to reducing the global burden of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease
- Participating in the European Partnership for Action Against Cancer as a collaborative partner
- Actively supporting other organisations in promoting the recommendations from our Policy Report, such as the UICC’s World Cancer Day and Together We Are Stronger campaigns
- Presenting at and attending key meetings and events to make sure cancer prevention through nutrition, physical activity and weight management is a priority area of global health attention
