Using systems thinking to guide the dissemination of the European code against cancer, 5th edition

Knowledge mobilisation is essential in cancer prevention to equip individuals with the knowledge to reduce their risk and improve their health. Hence, dissemination of evidence-based recommendations is a key tenet in the fight to reduce the burden of cancer in the European Union (EU). Systems thinking was used to guide the methods of three substudies involving stakeholders in identifying dissemination actions to enhance the awareness and uptake of the European Code Against Cancer, 5th edition (ECAC5), including mapping barriers and facilitators to achieve impactful dissemination. The proposed actions aimed to foster collaboration and partnership across diverse sectors, utilising diverse and accessible channels to deliver visually engaging content to maximise the delivery and impact of the ECAC5 to the general public in the EU. Many of these actions were evaluated by participants as highly feasible and impactful, thereby supporting their implementation.