Over 37% of Cancer Cases Worldwide are Preventable: WHO Study
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of people diagnosed with the disease every year. While it is a complex and multifaceted issue, a new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that over 37% of cancer cases worldwide are linked to modifiable risk factors. This means that millions of cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes, vaccination, and stronger public health policies.
The study, which was recently published, analyzed data from around the world to identify the major causes of cancer. The researchers found that tobacco, alcohol, air pollution, infections, high body mass index (BMI), and physical inactivity are among the leading risk factors for cancer. These factors are not only linked to an increased risk of developing cancer, but they also contribute to other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of cancer worldwide, accounting for over 20% of all cancer deaths. The WHO study found that tobacco use is responsible for over 1.5 million cancer deaths every year, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The good news is that tobacco use is a modifiable risk factor, and quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Alcohol consumption is another major risk factor for cancer, particularly for cancers of the liver, breast, and colon. The WHO study found that alcohol consumption is responsible for over 10% of all cancer deaths worldwide, with the majority of these deaths occurring in high-income countries. Like tobacco use, alcohol consumption is a modifiable risk factor, and reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Air pollution is also a significant risk factor for cancer, particularly for lung cancer. The WHO study found that air pollution is responsible for over 5% of all cancer deaths worldwide, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The good news is that air pollution is a modifiable risk factor, and reducing exposure to air pollution through the use of clean energy sources and improved ventilation can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Infections are also a significant risk factor for cancer, particularly for cancers of the liver, cervix, and stomach. The WHO study found that infections are responsible for over 10% of all cancer deaths worldwide, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The good news is that many of these infections can be prevented through vaccination, and the WHO is working to increase access to vaccines in low- and middle-income countries.
High body mass index (BMI) is also a significant risk factor for cancer, particularly for cancers of the breast, colon, and kidney. The WHO study found that high BMI is responsible for over 5% of all cancer deaths worldwide, with the majority of these deaths occurring in high-income countries. The good news is that high BMI is a modifiable risk factor, and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Physical inactivity is also a significant risk factor for cancer, particularly for cancers of the breast, colon, and kidney. The WHO study found that physical inactivity is responsible for over 5% of all cancer deaths worldwide, with the majority of these deaths occurring in high-income countries. The good news is that physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor, and regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
The WHO study highlights the importance of lifestyle changes, vaccination, and stronger public health policies in preventing cancer. By reducing or eliminating modifiable risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer. The WHO is working to increase access to vaccines, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen public health policies to prevent cancer.
The study’s findings have significant implications for public health policy and practice. The WHO is calling on governments, healthcare professionals, and individuals to take action to reduce the risk of cancer. This includes increasing access to vaccines, promoting healthy lifestyles, and strengthening public health policies to prevent cancer.
In conclusion, the WHO study highlights the importance of preventing cancer through lifestyle changes, vaccination, and stronger public health policies. By reducing or eliminating modifiable risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer. The WHO is working to increase access to vaccines, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen public health policies to prevent cancer. With millions of cancer cases preventable, it is essential that we take action to reduce the risk of cancer and promote healthy lifestyles.
News Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04219-7
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