Cancer Prevention: Risk Factors, Early Detection & Avoidable Deaths

Nearly half of all cancer deaths globally – an estimated 4.5 million in 2022 – may have been preventable through primary prevention and improved treatment, according to a new study published in February 17, 2026, in The Lancet Global Health. Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) identified key areas where interventions could significantly reduce the global cancer burden.

Preventable Factors and Cancer Types

The study highlights that 3.1 million deaths (33%) could have been avoided through primary prevention efforts focused on five major risk factors: tobacco use, alcohol consumption, excess body weight, infections, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. An additional 1.4 million deaths (14%) could have been prevented with improvements in early detection and curative treatment.

Lung cancer accounted for the largest number of deaths potentially avoidable through primary prevention, followed by liver and stomach cancers. However, the specific cancer types most impacted by preventable measures varied depending on a country’s Human Development Index (HDI). Breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers were the cancers where the most deaths could be avoided through earlier detection and more effective treatment.

Disparities in Avoidable Mortality

The research revealed significant disparities in avoidable cancer mortality rates between countries, regions, and levels of human development. The burden of preventable cancer deaths was particularly high in countries with low and medium HDI levels, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in these areas.

The Role of Prevention

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 30% and 50% of all cancer deaths are preventable through lifestyle modifications and the implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies. This aligns with the IARC study’s findings, emphasizing the critical role of proactive measures in reducing cancer incidence and mortality.

Preventive strategies include avoiding known carcinogens, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and receiving vaccinations against cancer-causing infections. The WHO notes that cancer is currently the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018 – approximately one in six deaths worldwide.

Early Detection and Treatment

While prevention is paramount, the IARC study also emphasizes the importance of early detection and effective treatment. Improvements in these areas could prevent a substantial number of cancer deaths, particularly for cancers like breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer where early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes.

Access to timely and quality diagnosis and treatment remains a significant challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Strengthening health systems and expanding access to cancer screening programs are crucial steps in reducing the global cancer burden.

Looking Ahead

The IARC study provides crucial data on the global avoidable mortality for 35 cancer sites. The findings underscore the potential to reduce global cancer mortality by scaling up primary prevention efforts and improving early detection and curative treatment. National cancer control planning, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, is essential to address this growing public health challenge.

The American Cancer Society supports research exploring how risk factors like smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity affect cancer risk. They also provide resources and support for individuals dealing with cancer, including a 24/7 helpline available by phone and online chat.