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

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cancer Prevention
• Health Communication

Background:

• Knowledge mobilization is vital for cancer prevention and reducing cancer burden in the European Union (EU).
• Disseminating evidence-based recommendations, like the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC5), is key to public health.
• Effective strategies are needed to enhance public awareness and uptake of cancer prevention guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate actionable strategies for disseminating the European Code Against Cancer, 5th edition (ECAC5).
• To map barriers and facilitators for impactful knowledge mobilization of cancer prevention recommendations within the EU.
• To foster collaboration and utilize diverse channels for effective public health communication.

Main Methods:

• Employed systems thinking to guide three substudies involving diverse stakeholders.
• Conducted stakeholder consultations to identify barriers and facilitators to ECAC5 dissemination.
• Focused on developing feasible and impactful dissemination actions using accessible and visually engaging content.

Main Results:

• Identified key barriers and facilitators influencing the dissemination of cancer prevention guidelines.
• Proposed a range of dissemination actions aimed at fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and partnership.
• Developed strategies for utilizing diverse and accessible channels to deliver visually engaging content.
• Many proposed actions were evaluated as highly feasible and impactful by participants.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a framework for impactful knowledge mobilization of cancer prevention strategies in the EU.
• Stakeholder engagement and systems thinking are effective in developing practical dissemination actions.
• The findings support the implementation of targeted strategies to enhance the reach and impact of the ECAC5.