A new global analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reveals a stark reality: nearly four in ten cancer cases worldwide have links to preventable causes. The study, released ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, estimates that 37% of all new cancer cases in 2022, totaling about 7.1 million people, could have been avoided. This landmark research highlights the immense potential of prevention in significantly lowering the global cancer burden.[m+3]
Understanding the Preventable Burden
The comprehensive analysis examined 30 different preventable risk factors across 185 countries and 36 types of cancer. Researchers found that out of approximately 18.7 million new cancer cases diagnosed globally in 2022, roughly 7.1 million were attributable to modifiable factors. This means a substantial portion of cancer diagnoses are not inevitable but stem from exposures and behaviors that people can change or avoid.[m+5]
Dr. André Ilbawi, WHO Team Lead for Cancer Control and an author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings. "This is the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent," he said.He noted that understanding these patterns helps governments and individuals get specific information to prevent many cancer cases before they ever start.[m+3]
Key Risk Factors Identified
The study pinpointed several leading preventable causes of cancer. Tobacco use emerged as the top contributor, responsible for 15% of all new cancer cases worldwide.Infections ranked second, accounting for 10% of cases, followed by alcohol consumption at 3%.These three factors collectively represent a significant portion of the global cancer burden that could be reduced.[m+5]
Other important preventable factors included a high body mass index, also known as obesity, and physical inactivity.Air pollution and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation also play a role in increasing cancer risk.For the first time, this analysis specifically included nine cancer-causing infections, broadening the understanding of preventable risks.These infections include human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer, and Helicobacter pylori, linked to stomach cancer.Hepatitis B and C viruses, known to cause liver cancer, were also part of the study.[m+8]
Cancers Most Affected by Prevention
Three specific cancer types accounted for nearly half of all preventable cases globally: lung, stomach, and cervical cancers.Lung cancer was primarily associated with smoking and air pollution.Stomach cancer cases were largely due to Helicobacter pylori infection.Cervical cancer was overwhelmingly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).The report also cited liver and colorectal cancers as significant for men, with factors like infection, smoking, alcohol, and high BMI being predominant.[m+8]
Understanding these specific links allows for targeted prevention efforts. For instance, vaccination against HPV can dramatically reduce cervical cancer rates.Similarly, efforts to reduce smoking and improve air quality directly impact lung cancer rates.[gavi+2]
Gender and Regional Disparities
The study highlighted notable differences in the burden of preventable cancer between men and women. Preventable causes were linked to 45% of new cancer cases in men, compared to 30% in women.Among men, smoking was the leading preventable cause, accounting for an estimated 23% of all new cancer cases.Infections followed at 9%, and alcohol at 4%.For women, infections were the primary preventable cause, linked to 11% of new cancer cases, followed by smoking at 6% and high body mass index at 3%.[m+5]
Regional variations in preventable cancer rates were also significant. For women, the proportion of preventable cancers ranged from 24.6% in North Africa to 38.2% in sub-Saharan Africa.For men, this range was from 28.1% in Latin America and the Caribbean to 57.2% in East Asia.Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of the IARC Cancer Surveillance Unit and a senior author of the study, stressed that a one-size-fits-all prevention strategy is not enough.She explained that each country and region needs to create prevention priorities that match their specific cancer burden profile.[ascopost+5]
Strategies for a Healthier Future
The findings underscore a crucial opportunity to reduce cancer rates globally through focused prevention efforts. The WHO and IARC recommend tailored prevention strategies, including strong tobacco control measures and effective alcohol regulation.Vaccination programs against cancer-causing infections like HPV and hepatitis B are also vital.[news+3]
Beyond individual choices, broader public health initiatives are essential. These include improving air quality, making workplaces safer, promoting healthier food options, and encouraging physical activity.Coordinated action across various government sectors, such as health, education, energy, transport, and labor, can prevent millions of families from facing a cancer diagnosis.Addressing these preventable risk factors not only lowers cancer incidence but also reduces long-term healthcare costs and improves overall public health and well-being.This comprehensive approach offers a clear path to significantly lessen the global impact of cancer.[news+3]
