Global Study Reveals Nearly 40% of New Diagnoses are Preventable Cancer Cases
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A massive global analysis published in the journal Nature Medicine has revealed that nearly 40% of new cancer cases worldwide are potentially avoidable. By examining data from 185 countries and 36 different types of cancer, researchers estimated that 7.1 million of the 18.7 million new diagnoses in 2022 were linked to modifiable risk factors. These are factors that can be changed, controlled, or managed to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
The study identified tobacco smoking as the primary contributor to the global cancer burden, accounting for approximately 15% of all preventable cases. Following smoking, infections (such as HPV and hepatitis) were responsible for 10%, while alcohol consumption accounted for 3%. In the UK, the figures align closely with global trends; roughly 32.6% of new cases (over 148,000) were deemed preventable, with smoking, excess weight, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds topping the list of causes.
The impact of these risk factors varies significantly by gender and geography. Globally, 45% of new cancer cases among men were linked to preventable risks, compared with 30% among women. In women, infections like human papillomavirus (HPV) are a major driver, particularly in low- and middle-income regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where cervical cancer is highly prevalent. Conversely, in high-income regions like Europe and North America, smoking is the dominant cause of preventable cancer in both sexes.
Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) emphasize that this data should drive "good news" and hope, rather than stigma. Dr. Andre Ilbawi, WHO team lead for cancer control, noted that investing in prevention delivers wide-ranging health, societal, and economic benefits.
The research underscores that a "one-size-fits-all" prevention strategy is insufficient. Instead, experts call for policy and structural solutions tailored to the specific cancer profiles of different regions, focusing on risk reduction and respecting the dignity of those living with the disease. By targeting these modifiable habits, nations have a powerful opportunity to slash the future global cancer burden.
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Keywords: Preventable Cancer Cases
Preventable Cancer Cases
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