Over 37% of cancer cases worldwide are preventable: WHO study
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths each year. The disease is a complex and multifaceted issue, with various risk factors contributing to its development. However, a new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that a significant proportion of cancer cases worldwide are linked to modifiable risk factors, highlighting the potential for prevention through lifestyle changes, vaccination, and stronger public health policies.
According to the WHO analysis, over 37% of cancer cases worldwide are preventable, with tobacco, alcohol, air pollution, infections, high body mass index (BMI), and physical inactivity identified as major causes. The study, which was published in a recent issue of Nature, emphasizes the importance of addressing these modifiable risk factors in order to reduce the global burden of cancer.
The WHO study found that tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable cancer cases, accounting for approximately 22% of all cancer deaths worldwide. The use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and other forms of smokeless tobacco, increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, and bladder cancer. The WHO has long recognized the dangers of tobacco use and has implemented various measures to reduce its use, including taxation, public education campaigns, and bans on tobacco advertising.
Alcohol consumption is another significant risk factor for cancer, with the WHO study estimating that it accounts for approximately 7% of all cancer cases worldwide. Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of various types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. The WHO recommends that adults limit their alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
Air pollution is also a major risk factor for cancer, with the WHO study estimating that it accounts for approximately 5% of all cancer cases worldwide. Exposure to air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM) and other hazardous chemicals, can increase the risk of developing lung cancer and other types of cancer. The WHO has called for urgent action to reduce air pollution, including the implementation of cleaner energy sources, improved waste management, and increased use of public transportation.
Infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, are also significant risk factors for cancer, with the WHO study estimating that they account for approximately 4% of all cancer cases worldwide. Vaccination against these infections can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer and liver cancer. The WHO recommends that all children be vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B, and that adults be vaccinated against these infections if they are at high risk.
High body mass index (BMI) and physical inactivity are also major risk factors for cancer, with the WHO study estimating that they account for approximately 3% of all cancer cases worldwide. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and kidney cancer. The WHO recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, and that children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day.
The WHO study highlights the importance of addressing these modifiable risk factors in order to reduce the global burden of cancer. By making lifestyle changes, such as quitting tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, and engaging in regular physical activity, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer. Vaccination against infections, such as HPV and hepatitis B, can also prevent certain types of cancer.
In addition to individual lifestyle changes, the WHO study emphasizes the need for stronger public health policies to address the root causes of cancer. This includes implementing policies to reduce tobacco use, such as taxation and public education campaigns, and increasing access to vaccination and cancer screening programs. The WHO also recommends that governments implement policies to reduce air pollution, such as increasing the use of cleaner energy sources and improving waste management.
In 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 cases of cancer could be prevented. The study emphasizes the importance of urgent action to reduce the global burden of cancer, and calls on governments, healthcare professionals, and individuals to work together to address this major public health issue.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04219-7
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