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 some cancer cases are unavoidable, a new analysis 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 cancer cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes, vaccination, and stronger public health policies.
The WHO study, which was published recently, highlighted tobacco, alcohol, air pollution, infections, high body mass index (BMI), and physical inactivity as major causes of preventable cancer cases. These risk factors are responsible for a significant proportion of cancer cases worldwide, and addressing them could have a major impact on reducing the global cancer burden.
Tobacco: a leading cause of preventable cancer cases
Tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for cancer, and is responsible for over 20% of cancer cases worldwide. Smoking and the use of other tobacco products are major causes of lung, throat, and mouth cancers, as well as other types of cancer. The WHO study found that tobacco use is responsible for over 1.5 million cancer cases worldwide every year.
The good news is that tobacco use is a modifiable risk factor, and quitting smoking or avoiding tobacco products altogether can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer. Governments and health organizations can also play a crucial role in reducing tobacco use by implementing policies such as taxation, public education campaigns, and smoking bans.
Alcohol: a major risk factor for cancer
Alcohol is another significant risk factor for cancer, and is responsible for over 5% of cancer cases worldwide. Drinking alcohol is a major cause of liver, breast, and colon cancers, as well as other types of cancer. The WHO study found that alcohol use is responsible for over 400,000 cancer cases worldwide every year.
Like tobacco use, alcohol consumption is a modifiable risk factor, and reducing or avoiding alcohol can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer. Governments and health organizations can also play a role in reducing alcohol consumption by implementing policies such as taxation, public education campaigns, and drink-driving laws.
Air pollution: a growing concern
Air pollution is a growing concern worldwide, and is responsible for over 3% of cancer cases globally. Exposure to air pollution is a major cause of lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer. The WHO study found that air pollution is responsible for over 200,000 cancer cases worldwide every year.
Reducing air pollution requires a multi-faceted approach, including reducing emissions from vehicles, industries, and other sources. Governments and health organizations can play a role in reducing air pollution by implementing policies such as emission standards, clean energy targets, and public education campaigns.
Infections: a significant risk factor for cancer
Infections are a significant risk factor for cancer, and are responsible for over 10% of cancer cases worldwide. Certain viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, can cause cancer, as well as bacterial infections such as Helicobacter pylori.
Vaccination is a highly effective way to prevent infection-related cancer cases. For example, the HPV vaccine can prevent cervical cancer, as well as other types of cancer caused by the virus. Governments and health organizations can play a role in increasing vaccination rates by implementing public education campaigns and vaccination programs.
High body mass index (BMI) and physical inactivity: modifiable risk factors
High body mass index (BMI) and physical inactivity are also significant risk factors for cancer. Being overweight or obese is a major cause of breast, colon, and other types of cancer, while physical inactivity is a major cause of colon and other types of cancer.
Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer. Governments and health organizations can play a role in promoting healthy lifestyles by implementing policies such as public education campaigns, bike lanes, and recreational facilities.
Conclusion
The WHO study highlights the significant proportion of cancer cases worldwide that are linked to modifiable risk factors. By addressing these risk factors through lifestyle changes, vaccination, and stronger public health policies, millions of cancer cases could be prevented. Governments, health organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing the global cancer burden.
As the world’s population continues to grow and age, the number of cancer cases is likely to increase. However, by working together to address modifiable risk factors, we can reduce the burden of cancer and improve health outcomes for millions of people worldwide.
Source:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04219-7
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