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38% of Cancers Preventable: WHO Study Reveals Key Factors
5 Feb
Summary
- Over a third of global cancer cases are preventable, says WHO.
- Smoking tobacco is the leading preventable risk factor for cancer.
- Infections like HPV and lifestyle choices significantly increase risk.
New analysis from the World Health Organization indicates that a substantial portion of cancer cases are preventable. In 2022, nearly 19 million new cancer diagnoses were recorded globally, with approximately 38 percent linked to 30 changeable risk factors. These factors include tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, inactivity, and various occupational exposures.
Tobacco smoking emerged as the foremost preventable cause, accounting for 15% of all cancer cases, and a higher percentage for men. Air pollution also contributes, with regional variations noted. Alcohol consumption followed as a significant lifestyle factor, linked to about 3.2% of new cancer cases. Infections were associated with approximately 10% of cases, with high-risk HPV being a notable factor for women, increasing the risk of cervical cancer.
Addressing these preventable causes is highlighted as a critical opportunity to reduce the global cancer burden. The study emphasizes that specific information on these risk factors can empower governments and individuals to implement targeted prevention strategies. The findings were published in Nature Medicine.
