WHO has identified the leading cause of cancer worldwide: the risk can be reduced
6 June 06:56
The World Health Organization has released a large-scale global analysis showing that approximately 38% of all new cancer cases worldwide could potentially be prevented. This was reported by ScienceAlert, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The study covered data from 185 countries and 36 types of cancer, and identified smoking as the leading preventable cause of cancer.
The WHO notes that the highest number of preventable cases are lung cancer, stomach cancer, and cervical cancer. Experts emphasize that millions of cases of illness and deaths can be reduced through prevention, vaccination, quitting harmful habits, and reducing exposure to environmental risk factors.
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of cancer
Smoking was found to be the biggest risk factor. It was linked to 15% of all cancer cases worldwide in 2022.
Among men, the impact of smoking was even greater: tobacco was responsible for 23% of all new cancer diagnoses.
In other words, nearly one in four cases of cancer among men worldwide is linked to this habit.
Alcohol — the second key factor
After smoking, alcohol consumption was the second-largest modifiable risk factor. According to researchers’ estimates, alcohol is linked to 3.2% of new cancer cases, or approximately 700,000 cases each year.
Together, smoking and alcohol account for about 48% of all preventable cancer cases. This means that nearly half of all potentially preventable cancers are linked to these two factors.
What other factors increase the risk of cancer
Researchers also identified other factors that significantly influence the development of cancer. These include:
- a high body mass index;
- insufficient physical activity;
- air pollution;
- ultraviolet radiation;
- infections;
- occupational hazards;
- smokeless tobacco;
- betel nut chewing;
- insufficient breastfeeding.
Thus, the risks are associated not only with lifestyle but also with the environment, working conditions, and access to healthcare.
Air pollution also emerged as a significant factor
The study paid particular attention to air pollution. In some regions, its impact on cancer incidence is very significant.
For example, in East Asia, about 15% of lung cancer cases in women were linked specifically to air pollution. And in North Africa and West Asia, approximately 20% of lung cancer cases in men were also caused by this factor.
Infections and HPV — a major problem in their own right
Infections have emerged as another major risk factor, linked to approximately 10% of all new cancer cases.
Human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer, proved particularly dangerous for women.
The WHO notes that an effective vaccine against HPV exists, but vaccination rates in many countries remain insufficient.
Stomach cancer is more often linked to poverty and poor living conditions
The study also indicates that stomach cancer is more common in men and is often linked not only to smoking but also to infections spread through:
- overcrowding;
- poor sanitation;
- limited access to clean water.
In other words, some of the causes of cancer are directly linked to social living conditions.
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What the researchers recommend
The study’s authors emphasize that cancer prevention must become one of the most effective tools for reducing the global burden of cancer.
This primarily involves:
- quitting smoking;
- reducing or quitting alcohol consumption;
- HPV vaccination;
- weight control;
- getting enough physical activity;
- reducing exposure to pollution and other harmful factors.
The study’s senior author, WHO epidemiologist Isabel Soryomataram, called this work the first such comprehensive global assessment of preventable causes of cancer.
According to the researchers, the results demonstrate that prevention could be one of the most effective ways to reduce the global burden of cancer.
How to protect yourself from cancer
It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of cancer, but it is possible to significantly reduce it. WHO data points to several basic steps that are most important: do not smoke, minimize or avoid alcohol consumption, get vaccinated against HPV, maintain a healthy weight, be physically active, and reduce exposure to harmful environmental factors.
In other words, cancer is not always an “inevitable” disease. A significant portion of cases is linked to factors that individuals and society can influence through prevention, medical programs, and lifestyle changes.
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