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Many people feel powerless when facing the risk of cancer, but research has identified several ways we can lower our chances of getting this illness. A detailed study by the International Organisation for Public Health reveals that over one-third of cancers worldwide can be prevented. Nearly half of these avoidable cancers impact the lungs, stomach, and reproductive systems. This means that many deadly cancers that occur each year could potentially be avoided through medical treatments, changes in daily routines, reducing workplace dangers, or minimizing contact with environmental pollutants. Researchers involved in this significant study state that smoking is the main avoidable cause. In 2022, it was responsible for 15 percent of all new cancer cases diagnosed globally. For men, this percentage was even higher at 23 percent of new cases. This research was shared in Nature Medicine.
Together, smoking and drinking alcohol make up almost half (around 48 percent) of all preventable cancer cases. Alcohol alone was linked to 3.2 percent of new cancer diagnoses, which equals about 700,000 cases. For women, a major danger came from certain viruses, especially the papillomavirus that can cause cervical cancer. Fortunately, there is now a vaccine available to protect against this virus, but its availability in many countries is still lacking. Stomach cancer is more common in men and is often linked to smoking and infections from crowded living conditions, poor hygiene, and limited access to clean water. Experts highlight that this study is the first worldwide evaluation showing what percentage of cancer cases can be traced back to changeable factors. By understanding where cancer risks are located among different areas and groups, governments and communities can gain better insights to help prevent many cases before they occur.
The study, published in a respected scientific journal, concludes that almost 40 percent of global cancer cases in 2022 could have been avoided by removing exposure to the identified risk factors.
