What percentage of cancer cases are preventable according to the WHO analysis?

According to the World Health Organization analysis, approximately 38 percent of all global cancer cases are preventable.

What is the leading preventable risk factor for cancer identified by the WHO?

The leading preventable risk factor for cancer identified by the WHO is smoking tobacco, which was linked to 15 percent of all cancer cases.

Besides smoking, what other factors contribute to preventable cancer cases?

Other significant factors contributing to preventable cancer cases include alcohol consumption, infections like high-risk HPV, air pollution, and lifestyle choices such as obesity and insufficient physical activity.

Home / Health / 38% of Cancers Preventable: WHO Study Reveals Key Factors

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.

38% of Cancers Preventable: WHO Study Reveals Key Factors

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.