Nearly 40% of Cancers Are Preventable, New Study Reveals | Cancer Prevention & Risk Factors
- Nearly 40% of new cancer cases worldwide could be preventable, according to a new analysis of data from 185 countries and 36 cancer types.
- Researchers examining data from 2022 found that approximately 7.1 million of the 18.7 million new cancer cases recorded globally were linked to preventable causes.
- Tobacco use continues to be the primary driver of preventable cancer cases, accounting for 15% of all new diagnoses.
Nearly 40% of new cancer cases worldwide could be preventable, according to a new analysis of data from 185 countries and 36 cancer types. The study, released ahead of , highlights the significant impact that lifestyle and environmental factors have on cancer development and underscores the urgent need for stronger preventative measures.
Researchers examining data from found that approximately 7.1 million of the 18.7 million new cancer cases recorded globally were linked to preventable causes. This represents 38% of all new diagnoses. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, emphasize that a substantial portion of the cancer burden is not inevitable, but rather tied to modifiable risk factors.
Tobacco Use Remains the Leading Preventable Cause
Tobacco use continues to be the primary driver of preventable cancer cases, accounting for 15% of all new diagnoses. This is followed by infections, responsible for 10% of cases, and alcohol consumption, contributing to 3%. Lung, stomach, and cervical cancers represent nearly half of all preventable cancer cases in both men and women.
While these global figures provide a broad overview, the study reveals significant regional variations in preventable cancer causes. The overall figures “mask the more subtle picture of global cancer risks,” according to reports. For example, the proportion of preventable cases differs between genders, with 45% of cancer cases in men being attributable to preventable factors, compared to 30% in women.
Regional Differences in Preventable Cancer Causes
In Europe, among women, smoking is the leading preventable cause of cancer, closely followed by infections and high body mass index. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, infections dominate as the primary preventable cause of cancer in women, accounting for almost 80% of cases. These infections include those caused by viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer, and hepatitis B and C viruses, linked to liver cancer. Vaccination against these viruses is a key preventative measure.
The study identifies 30 preventable causes of cancer, including tobacco, alcohol, high body mass index, physical inactivity, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation. The inclusion of nine cancer-causing infections marks a significant advancement in understanding the full scope of preventable cancers.
The Growing Cancer Burden and the Need for Prevention
Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths in , or nearly one in six deaths globally. Projections indicate a 50% increase in new cancer cases by if current trends continue, highlighting the critical importance of effective prevention strategies.
“By examining patterns across countries and population groups, we can provide governments and individuals with more specific information to help prevent many cancer cases before they start,” said Dr. André Ilbawi, WHO Team Lead for Cancer Control and author of the study. This targeted approach is crucial for tailoring prevention efforts to specific regional and demographic needs.
The findings suggest that reducing risk factors like tobacco use, promoting vaccination against cancer-causing infections, and addressing lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity are “one of the most powerful ways that we can potentially reduce the future cancer burden,” according to cancer epidemiologist and study co-author Hanna Fink.
While the study offers a hopeful outlook, it’s important to remember that cancer is a complex disease with multiple contributing factors. Continued research and investment in prevention strategies are essential to further reduce the global cancer burden and improve public health outcomes.