Experts from the World Health Organization have stated that a significant portion of cancer cases are preventable. A study published in the journal Nature Medicine indicates that approximately 38% of new cancer diagnoses globally in 2022 were attributable to modifiable risk factors. This information was highlighted by “Gazeta.ru.”
Scientists examined nearly 19 million new cancer diagnoses recorded worldwide. The research findings revealed that around 7 million cases were linked to 30 changeable risk factors. These include smoking, alcohol consumption, excess weight, low physical activity, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, infections, and hazardous working conditions.
The leading preventable factor identified by the researchers was tobacco smoking. They estimate that it accounts for roughly 15% of all new cancer cases worldwide. Among men, this figure was even higher, at approximately 23%.
“This is the first global study demonstrating the proportion of cancer risk linked to preventable causes,” stated Dr. André Ilbawi, head of the cancer control program at WHO.
Alcohol emerged as the second most significant factor. Researchers calculated that it is associated with about 3.2% of new cancer cases, corresponding to approximately 700,000 diagnoses. Collectively, smoking and alcohol consumption contribute to nearly half of all preventable cancer cases.
The study’s authors also specifically investigated the impact of air pollution. The research notes that its influence varies by region. For instance, in East Asian countries, air pollution is linked to approximately 15% of lung cancer cases in women. In North Africa and West Asia, scientists report that this factor affects about 20% of lung cancer cases in men.
Roughly 10% of new cancer cases were associated with infections by the researchers. The human papillomavirus (HPV), which increases the likelihood of developing cervical cancer, was identified as a key risk factor for women. Despite the availability of a vaccine, vaccination rates remain insufficient in many countries.
Furthermore, scientists drew attention to the prevalence of stomach cancer in men. According to the study, this cancer is linked to both smoking and infections, the spread of which is facilitated by poor sanitation, crowded living conditions, and inadequate access to clean water.
Dr. Isabel Soerdirjhamatam, a co-author of the study and an epidemiologist at WHO, emphasized that addressing preventable causes of cancer remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing the global burden of oncological diseases.
The authors of the study point out that prevention necessitates not only individual lifestyle changes but also systemic solutions from governments. These include measures such as restricting smoking, reducing air pollution, expanding vaccination programs, and improving living conditions.
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