[Cancer prevention in the workplace in the light of the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC5): the role of employers and occupational health services].

The workplace is one of the most important settings influencing adult health and may play a significant role in reducing the burden of cancer. The aim of this review was to explore the potential of workplace-based cancer prevention and to discuss the role of employers and occupational health services in the context of the recommendations of the 5th edition of the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC5). This study was conducted as a narrative literature review. The analysis was based on scientific publications identified through PubMed, as well as reports and documents issued by national and international institutions involved in cancer prevention, health promotion, and occupational health. Available evidence suggests that the workplace can support the implementation of most ECAC5 recommendations by reducing exposure to carcinogenic factors, promoting tobacco and nicotine-free lifestyles, healthy nutrition, physical activity, and limiting alcohol consumption. Studies further indicate that employer-led interventions may increase participation in cancer screening programmes for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Occupational health services may play a particularly important role by providing health education and encouraging participation in secondary prevention during mandatory occupational health examinations. The number of studies directly assessing the effectiveness of workplace-based cancer prevention remains limited, particularly in the Polish setting. Nevertheless, the available evidence indicates that the workplace represents a promising environment for implementing ECAC5 recommendations. Further research is needed, along with the development of system-level solutions aimed at strengthening the role of employers and occupational health services in cancer prevention. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(5).