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40% of Cancers Preventable: WHO Urges Action
4 Feb
Summary
- Nearly half of preventable cancers are lung, stomach, and cervical types.
- Tobacco is the leading preventable cause, followed by infections and alcohol.
- India faces a rising cancer burden with late diagnoses and low screening.
A significant portion of global cancer cases are preventable, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that four out of ten, amounting to 7.1 million in 2022, could have been avoided. Lung, stomach, and cervical cancers collectively account for nearly half of all preventable cancer diagnoses worldwide. The WHO's comprehensive global analysis highlights tobacco as the leading preventable cause, responsible for 15% of new cases, followed by infections (10%) and alcohol (3%).
In India, the cancer burden is growing, with over one million cases annually and a concerning trend of late diagnoses. Experts emphasize the critical need for increased awareness, early detection, and equitable access to timely care, as many cases are identified only at advanced stages. Low screening rates, fear of testing, stigma, and limited healthcare access, especially in rural areas, contribute to this challenge. Breast and cervical cancers remain prominent among women, underscoring the importance of preventive strategies like HPV vaccination and screening.
