As the European Union continues its fight against cancer, the BUMPER project has launched a new report outlining key lessons on promoting digital health literacy on cancer prevention. The report offers strategic recommendations to ensure the long-term success of the forthcoming EU Mobile App for Cancer Prevention.
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Europe, claiming an estimated 1.3 million lives in 2022 alone. However, it is estimated that over 40% of cancer cases could be prevented by promoting healthier lifestyles and addressing major risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diets, physical activity, and air pollution.
The BUMPER project aims to support the development and promotion of the first-ever EU Mobile App for Cancer Prevention. The creation of this app is one of the flagship initiatives of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, designed to spread the evidence-based messages of the European Code Against Cancer to help people across Europe take steps to reduce their cancer risk.
“In an age where misinformation can spread faster than facts, having a reliable, science-based mobile app for cancer prevention is more important than ever. The future EU Mobile App for Cancer Prevention will provide European citizens with accurate and accessible information based on the latest scientific evidence, empowering them to take control and reduce their cancer risk,” says Helena Ros, BUMPER project coordinator and EU Projects Coordinator at the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL).
“By investing in the future EU Mobile App for Cancer Prevention, the EU is empowering people with the knowledge they need to reduce their cancer risk. Digital health tools like these have become essential for safeguarding public health, strengthening health literacy, and upholding the EU’s commitment to reducing the cancer burden across all member states,” adds Dr Wendy Yared, Executive Director at the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL).
As the project nears completion, its consortium of cancer prevention and health literacy experts has outlined nine key recommendations to maximise the app’s relevance and impact:
- Ensure content updates with the upcoming new edition of the European Code Against Cancer.
- Validate translations of all 24 languages in which the future app will be available.
- Establish interactive and modular training modules to empower health advocates.
- Develop a recognition system for trained health advocates.
- Continue meaningful engagement with stakeholders, including policymakers, cancer leagues, and health professionals.
- Provide ongoing funding support for health advocates and small organisations, by providing resources to enable wider dissemination.
- Monitor long-term impact.
- Develop engaging digital content and partner with influencers to increase awareness and reach.
- Craft tailored messages for each stakeholder group to better resonate with the diverse set of audiences the future app aims to reach.
Click here to read the full report, ‘Promoting digital health literacy on cancer prevention through the European Code Against Cancer – Best practices from the BUMPER project’.
For further information, please contact the BUMPER coordination team: bumper@cancer.eu
